by Mary King, staff writer
From the February 7, 1985 edition of The Salem Times Register
Friday, Feb. 1, turned out to be a very special day for Shannon Pryor, a third-grade student at G. W. Carver Elementary School in Salem.
Besides turning nine years old and receiving the usual birthday gifts, Shannon also received a new 19-inch color TV set, a prize for selling the most candy bars during a school fundraiser.
The shy nine-year-old said she worked hard to win the contest, but added, it didn’t take her long to sell the $602 worth of candy bars.
“She was tickled about winning the TV,” her mom said. “I was very happy for her. It is a nice TV.” Mrs. Pryor said the gift was even more special since the school gave it to her on her birthday.
When asked what techniques she used to sell so much candy, Shannon quoted, “I’m selling candy bars and would you like to buy some.” The young saleswoman also said she smiled real big.
Mrs. Pryor helped her daughter carry the TV home last Friday where it was promptly placed in Shannon’s bedroom. When asked if she was going to keep the television all to herself, Shannon quipped, “No, I might let my sister watch it some.”
Shannon added she plans on participating in future contests and that she just might consider being a saleswoman when she grows up.
The PTA began the fundraising project in October, 1984, to help raise funds for cafeteria curtains, field trips for fourth and fifth grade students and flower bulbs for the front of the school. Students raised approximately $6,000 during the candy bar sale, and according to Dennis Turner, president of the PTA, the school was very pleased with the results.
“Carver is a good-looking old building,” Turner said,” but it needs work. The PTA is just trying to do what they can. We are trying to complement what the school board is able to do.”
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
