Atwater Principal Puts on Dancing Shoes, Irish Skirt for Book Fundraiser

Fulfilling a promise to students, Atwater Principal Tim Kenney did an Irish dance for a cafeteria full of giddy kindergarteners Monday after they helped raise more than $360 for school books and underprivileged children.

"It was a little bit more challenging than I thought, it was three minutes, I may have to cut it back for my next performances," Kenny said.

As part of a program with Scholastic Books, Kenney told students, parents and staff that if they met a goal of $300 in funds raised, he would do an Irish dance in a skirt. For Every $1 raised, the book program will provide a book to a student who would not otherwise be able to afford one. Atwater raised $367.

Kenney said he was sprayed by silly string last year, but wanted to find something better this year.

Parent/volunteer Beth Tsuchiyama organized this year's Irish dance and the last Scholastic book fair where she took donations toward the book fundraiser.

"I've talked to the students over announcements about the real reason why I'm doing this," Kenney said.

Kenney said he was happy to have Atwater fourth grader and Irish dancer Lena Essak school him prior to his performance.