Kihei Student Council members display the fundraising results of the first community service project, “Pennies for Polio.” Pictured (from left) are fourth-grader Ginger Hill, fifth-grader Isabella Romero, fourth-graders Hunter Davis and Ava Arai, fifth-grader Jon Calibuso and fourth-grader Cliana Yago.

LAHAINA – Kihei Elementary School’s Student Council partnered with the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset for “Pennies for Polio” and raised $1,460 in a school-wide effort to aid in Rotary International’s “End Polio Now” campaign.

Led by Kihei Elementary staff members Alaina Valite, Michelle Bonilla and Joanne Laird, 38 representatives from 19 third, fourth and fifth grade classes made 60 posters and provided collection jars for each classroom.

The jars were gathered at the end of October, and six classes that collected over $100 in contributions were treated to juice and granola bars at morning recess.

The Student Council will keep 25 percent of the collected funds for future projects, and the remaining funds will be sent to Rotary International’s “End Polio Now” campaign, which will then be matched three-to-one by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The project taught the students the value of community service and inspired them to hold future drives.

“The students embraced this project and experienced first-hand the meaning of the Rotary International motto of ‘Service Above Self, ‘ ” said Student Council Adviser Laird.

“They are already planning for a school-wide food drive in November for the Maui Food Bank.”