Genet Elementary School raised $5,410.25 for the Ronald McDonald House Program this school year as part of its read-a-thon program. Students solicited pledges of donations and then read during the month of March. This donation will benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, which provides a free place for families to stay while their critically ill child receives treatment from local hospitals.

Principal Wayne Grignon set a goal to meet or exceed last year’s total of $4,200, and if the students reached it, he would kiss a pig in front of the entire school. Last week, Mr. Grignon honored the challenge and kissed a 300-pound pig named Hamlet in front of students and staff.

First grader Jack Brewer raised $1,659 through his reading, and as a special prize, silly stringed his teacher Leia Nardacci.

Special thanks to Genet teachers Joan Davis and Michelle Martino who chaired the Read for Ronald McDonald Program!