Hamlet MS to Rohanen, Ellerbe: ‘Try to match us!’

By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com

HAMLET — If it wasn’t for the root cause behind it — that is, raising funds to fund research for a cure for a progressive neurodegenerative disease — one might think the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was something more than an ice-cold soaking.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Hamlet Middle School Principal Jim Butler takes the lead in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

In Richmond County, it probably is.

Despite the good-natured ribbing, each group challenged by its predecessor has something to prove — with perhaps only bragging rights on the line.

On Tuesday, the staff and student body at Hamlet Middle School one-upped their rival, Rockingham Middle School. Instead of what HMS Principal Jim Butler called “a paltry 20 to 25” teachers completing the challenge as happened at Rockingham late last month, HMS teachers and roughly half its student body accepted the challenge. The group also raised $1,000 for ALS.

Butler said he and Assistant Principal Rob Ransom would take the challenge “like men,” but Supertintendent Cindy Goodman noted they both were wearing a plastic shower cap for protection.

After administrators led the way on the football field, dozens of students and teachers also accepted the challenged and poured ice water on themselves and/or their nearest neighbor.

Butler challenged the staff and student bodies of both Rohanen and Ellerbe middle schools, among others.

“Try to match us,” Butler grinned.