ALTON — St. Mary School here recently wrapped up its School Spirit Week, held April 22-26. The week included activities such as afternoon movies at both the elementary and middle schools, campus clean-up day, dress like a hippie day, pajama day, dress up day, penny wars, and food and book drives.

Penny wars raised $984.68 to be donated to two St. Mary's School families who have young children battling cancer.

The food drive collected 1,176 food items to help stock the shelves of the Catholic Charities food bank.

But the most amazing achievement of the week was the book drive, according to school officials. St. Mary's students donated 1,174 books which will in turn be donated to Children's Hospital, Catholic Children's Home and other worthy charities.

Peggy Oungst, St. Mary's principal, said she was overjoyed with the results of School Spirit Week, and with the students who produced those results. "Our faith calls us to service and our youth are responding in a very generous way. Spirit Week reflected their enthusiasm to share their talents and gifts with others," she said.

Oungst is expected to retire at the end of the school year, rounding out 32 years of service as principal in two area Catholic schools.