Venture Academy Family of Schools (VAFS) students collected $2,107.85 in their annual Pennies for Patients drive, nearly doubling the amount they raised last year.
Heather Fogg, teacher at Delta VISTA Academy of VAFS, said that the penny totals show just how generous and caring the staff and students are at VAFS.
Of the 11 specialized TK-12 VAFS academies, Delta VISTA raised the most money with $1,008.12 and Ventureland came in second with $671.67. Academies who brought in $300 or more will receive a gold pennant. Academies who raised $200 will receive a silver pennant and those who brought in at least $100 will receive a bronze pennant.
The drive, sponsored by the VAFS Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, started on Jan. 11 and went through Jan. 29. This is the 8th year that VAFS has participated in the Pennies for Patients drive. The students also hold a spirit week to help raise awareness and funds.
HOSA has run the event since 2010. This year the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the National HOSA Service Project.