Over a dozen community partners set up booths in the gymnasium to pass out treats during the second annual Cupid Shuffle on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

“It was such a success last year so we just wanted to keep it going,” explained teacher Charmayne Edington, who helped coordinate the event with her third grade faculty team. “We are so grateful to the businesses and organizations that take time out of their busy day to come and spoil our students!”

Edington explained how she simply built upon librarian Ashley Robertson’s guest list during the inaugural year, and the bulk of participants happily agreed to return, with a couple of newcomers setting up booths as well.

“We’re getting folks in the building, and teaching kids about community,” said Dr. Amy Dill, O’Neal principal. “Ours kids really like it and businesses enjoy seeing them smile.”

O’Neal counselor Gabe Thompson added: “Every kid gets the same thing, so it’s not a competition.”

This year’s participants included Xtreme Gymnastics, West Side Church, Wappapello Lake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Three Rivers College, Southern Bank, Poplar Bluff Parks & Recreation, Mossy Oak, Meme’s Sugar Rush Candy Store, First Midwest Bank, Coffman & Company, Chartwells, Central Bank, Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland and Big Whiskey’s Restaurant.

###

Cutline: Second grader Melvin Lemons grabs a goodie bag from the Chartwells booth during the second annual Cupid Shuffle.