For the eighth year, the gymnasium at Danbury Catholic Elementary School spent part of a week looking more like a giant greenhouse than a room for athletic events. On Thursday, May 7th volunteers unloaded over 5,000 plants from the trucks and placed them in predetermined locations for their future owners (or for the plant sellers) to choose over two days. That afternoon and all day Friday, people visited the gym to gather their pre-ordered plants and the also purchase more plants from this fundraiser.
    Meanwhile, in Ida Grove at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, over 1,000 plants were also unloaded and organized. In its second year, the satellite pick up location doubled the number of plants sold from their inaugural year. Their plant pick-up was held on Thursday only which was enough time for their customers to arrive and choose their plants.
    But, how did the students in a school of around 65 kids sell over 6,000 plants? Motivation and hard work were two of the key components to the success.
    "We just went out a lot and stopped at houses around town and asked them," said Carter Bettin, a third grader. "We spent a lot of time on it, and we texted a lot of people we knew."
    Carter and his little sister, Addisyn were the top sellers in the school. The kids' parents are Steffany and Austin Bettin of Danbury.
    "It was a surprise," commented Addisyn. "I was happy."
    To motivate the kids, they were challenged with raising at least $40,000 in plant sales. If they could reach the goal, they would be rewarded with a rollerskating party followed by pizza and a private movie at King Theatre in Ida Grove.
    "My favorite part was roller skating, because I got to go really fast," commented Addi.
    Each week, the family who sold the most over the 7 days was also rewarded with a money jump. There, they jumped a line of fake money and earned prizes with more items earned the farther they jumped. The motivation worked as they shattered the goal. Once the pre-orders were tallied, the kids roared in joy as this year's coordinator, Janelle Clausen announced the total sold, $49,646.
    Being the top sellers, the Bettin children were rewarded with a special money jump. Carter was chosen between the two to jump for the prizes.
    "The school let me do the money jump, and I got a lot of prizes like ice cream from the C-store and movie theatre gift cards," he said. "C-store ice cream is my all-time favorite."
    A natural athlete, Carter did very well, earning nearly all the prizes offered.
    "My secret was using my legs, and I almost got to the end" he said.
    "My favorite thing is the movie theatre tickets," Addi added of the prizes Carter collected for his sister and him.
    With all these plants and the behind the scenes work required to pull off this fundraiser, many volunteers were needed. People were needed to help with a number of activities including preparing popsicle sticks, setting up the gym on Wednesday, putting the popsicle sticks in each plant for easier selection, and helping people choose their plants and making sure the orders were correct. Between the two locations, over 30 volunteers helped the annual fundraiser run smoothly.
    "My favorite part was working with such great volunteers who are willing to help with everything that's needed to be done," stated Clausen.
    For the eighth year, the fundraiser was deemed a success. There are some plants left to purchase at the St. Mary's rectory. If interested, contact Janelle at the rectory at 883-2406.

    Next week we will honor the graduates from the area. We contacted each graduate from MVAOCOU High School and also seniors of which we are aware who attend other schools or are homeschooled.
    We need questionnaires back as soon as possible, please. For convenience, an online form can be found at https://www.danbury-ia.com/senior2026/.
    If you want to participate but cannot fill the report by Friday evening, please contact us at 712-893-2001 or review@danbury-ia.com so we leave a space.

    The soon-to-be graduates from MVAOCOU High School walked the hallways for their former schools on Monday as they visited each building in the school district. There, they walked the halls amid cheers and high-fives from much more future graduates. Photos were also taken at each building located in Danbury, Mapleton, Charter Oak, and Anthon. Their day ended at the shelter house in Danbury where they enjoyed a picnic and time on the playground.
    To the left, Danbury Catholic graduates Mya Boyle and Kinsey Bruhn lead their classmates past the preschoolers at DC. Unfortunately, the rest of the students and staff were on their rollerskating and movie trip they earned with their plant sales.
    Photo by Tabitha Bockelman. Thank you, Tabitha!

    Patriotism filled the gym in the Anthon Center on Monday, May 4th as the elementary grades held their Spring concert, "This is America." The program focused on patriotism as a nod to the nation's 250th birthday this year. Many prominent figures were at the program, including the Statue of Liberty, played by Jayde Berning who held her torch proudly.
    Pictures from the program can be found inside this Review.