Geneva High administrators accept ALS challenge

After a challenge from Batavia High School administrators, the Geneva High School administrative team took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Wednesday at the Geneva All Sports Booster's annual corn boil.

Administrators took donations throughout the day and during the corn boil, hoping to raise more money for ALS research than Batavia did, with a goal of $1,000. They raised approximately $275 during the lunch periods with students, teachers and school staff members making donations. Collection buckets for more donations were stationed at each register as people paid for their dinner at the corn boil. The buckets will be counted Thursday, and the grand total announced will be during the school day.

"It's a great cause," said Geneva High School Dean Susan Shrader, before she got soaked. "Everybody was excited today. The students thought it was a wonderful thing that we were going to do it. So I think it really was a great start to our school year to have this service project. We're happy to do it."

Seated on a football bench, Principal Tom Rogers, Associate Assistant Principal Doug Drexler, Assistant Principal Scott McPeak, deans Mike Kelly, Susan Shrader and Reed Allison, and Athletic Director Jim Kafer were soaked with ice water by student athletes before an audience that packed the football stadium stands.

Allison, who is the head coach of the sophomore football team, said he had just gotten off the practice field and the cool water "was a little bit refreshing. It wasn't as bad as the anticipation," adding a hearty chuckle.

The Geneva High administrators nominated their counterparts at Geneva Middle Schools North and South to take the challenge next, and Kelly says they all hope it will trickle down to the elementary schools.