Local Principal Pulls Off Wacky Stunt to Raise Funds for School

SALISBURY, Md. - Principal Rob Costante rode his bike from 8:30 AM Friday morning until 2:30 in the afternoon - and get this - on the roof of a school.

It's for Giant Food's A+ School Rewards Principal's Challenge. Costante put on his Irish thinking cap and came up with the idea to dress as a leprechaun and jump on a bike. His wacky efforts will earn St. Francis De Sales Catholic School $1000. "Me riding all day is no big deal, because it's just fun to be around them - to see their joy. And if I can help them in their learning process and comfort in this school and support them academically, then I'll do whatever it takes, said Costante. He pedaled through the entire school day without any breaks. "I'm feeling good - a little tired in the legs and the seat's not the most comfortable in the world, but I'm doing pretty good," said Costante.

Costante says that it's important to jump on any opportunities that help the school's funds. "Especially in a private school, as a Catholic school, we rely on the support of our parents, tuition dollars, and support from our Parish. When there are opportunities outside of those typical funds, we've got to grab onto them," said Costante.

Students applauded his efforts. "I think it's great - he's a really great principal. He does a lot of fun stuff to just lighten the mood up. I mean, sometimes in school you get kind of tired, but he just really keeps the energy going and I think he's a great influence to all the students. I love that he takes every opportunity to benefit us," said Lani O'Neill-Tarvin, 7th grader. "I thought it was completely insane, but I think it's fabulous that he would do all this just for his students. It's very supporting to know that he would do stuff like that for us - it helps me get through the days," said Jake Richardson, 7th grader.

Along with the Principal's Challenge, Giant's A+ school rewards program also gives shoppers a chance to earn points for their school by making every day purchases. "There's a formula that we use to convert those points into dollars that are donated to the schools - so the schools receive cash, and they can use those funds to do whatever they want," said Jamie Miller, PR Manager of Giant Food.

The money raised will go towards the school's technology funds to purchase additional Smartboards. For more information on the A+ Rewards Program go to www.giantfood.com.