Sue Sitter/PCT Ely Elementary School students who raised funds for Kids Heart Challenge pose near a duct-taped Jeremy Johnston, who teaches sixth grade. From left are Kaia Thiel, Opal Hackel, Payton Firman, Kyler Wentz, Brantley Erickson, Alton Hackel, Kieran Yoder, and Archer Eagleson.

One by one on March 1, students at Ely Elementary School put strips of duct tape on sixth grade teacher Jeremy Johnston, pinning him to the wall of the school gym until the tape completely covered him.

The students left small spaces over Johnston’s nose and mouth so he could breathe. Johnston also volunteered for the stunt, willingly standing against the wall on a platform of foam blocks, arms spread out.

The students doing the taping had participated in Kids Heart Challenge, an annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association to celebrate American Heart Month in February. The fundraiser was a part of their physical education class, taught by Heidi Backstrom.

Backstrom said her students in grades kindergarten through 6 participated.

“They jumped rope their whole P.E. (class period) to raise money for the American Heart Association,” Backstrom said. “Our goal this year was to raise $9,000, and they raised $11,464. I’ve been here doing this program for seven years now. In seven years, we’ve raised over $100,000.”

Students raised money in exchange for promises to jump rope during their P.E. classes. The students worked hard to raise the money, topping the $9,000 goal they set.

“It’s just fun because all the kids can participate with the jumping rope and those that are able to can raise money,” Backstrom said. “Once they reached $100,000, they had a free day in P.E.,” Backstrom added.

Backstrom said the students decided on a special way to celebrate reaching $100,000.

“They picked Mr. Johnston to duct tape to the wall,” Backstrom said.

Backstrom said the students impressed her with their hard work. One student, sixth grader Opal Hackel, went above and beyond in her fundraising efforts.

“Opal has participated every year that we’ve done this and she’s been one of the top participants every year. This year, she raised $1,350.88. I’ve done this for 11 years and I’ve never had a student raise $1,000. She worked very hard.”

Hackel said, “My mom owns the Balta Bar and Grill, so I worked weekends on this. I usually go Sundays, but during the week when I had free time, I went down there and worked.” Hackel said her mom matches what she makes working at her business.

“I made $420 of my own money and she doubled that, then she added $50 of her own money for her own donation, then my grandparents and dad and his girlfriend also donated,” Hackel said. “It’s always been my dream to raise $1,000.”

Hackel said her favorite parts of P.E. were “probably playing games and having fun.”

As more and more silver tape covered Johnston, he remained a good sport about it.

“The class nominated me and Mrs. Backstrom asked if I would be willing to and I just thought it would be a lot of fun for the kids to get to do something like this,” Johnston said.

Johnston mentioned he was glad to volunteer for the stunt “after all the students accomplished with their hard work.” He was also happy to help for a good cause.

Johnston’s students laughed as they watched their teacher disappear behind a mass of duct tape. Some even seemed to feel sorry for him.

After Johnston was completely covered, Backstrom removed the foam blocks from under his feet. The tape lost its grip and Johnston slid down to the floor, free from his sticky restraints. As the students wadded up the mass of tape and picked up scraps from the floor, Johnston said slipping out of the tape hadn’t hurt his skin.

“But, I’m glad I shaved my beard,” he added.

Please Enter Your Facebook App ID. Required for FB Comments. Click here for FB Comments Settings page

Copyright © The Pierce County Tribune | https://www.thepiercecountytribune.com | 219 South Main Ave., Rugby, ND 58368 | 701-776-5252