Each year the school’s raffle brings about a sense of competition within the halls of Regina.

The first thing students notice when entering the building in the morning is the percent of raffle books sold by each grade written on the doors in the Student Entrance. Students who are still stuck in their uniforms are filled with envy when they see their friends dressed in sweatpants for selling all their tickets. Competitions between grade levels, out-of-uniform passes, prizes, and the potential day off are just a few forms of motivation for students to sell their raffle books.

Students are also motivated by the promise of renovations in the school. In previous years, the raffle has funded the creation of the Writing Center, repairs in the bathrooms, and the purchase of televisions and iPads.

This year the money that is earned from the raffle will go towards the Gateway to Leadership Capital Campaign. The Capital Campaign is dedicated to making improvements to the school, such as Regina’s new sign, tile floor renovations, and the Leadership Institute.

According to Grace Schatz, Special Events Coordinator, the students, faculty, and staff sold a total of 1,434 raffle books this year, each valued at $30.

The freshman class led the way by selling approximately 358 books. They have only been students at Regina for a few months, but their participation indicates that they are very passionate about the school.

“It is common for the freshmen to participate this much in the raffle. What is uncommon is that the freshmen took off at the beginning and kept the lead all the way through.  Usually the seniors pull it out in the end,” said Schatz.

Based on the cheers during the Fall Pep Assembly, the freshman class was clearly able to gain the respect of the rest of the school through their enormous amount of participation.

“The raffle definitely boosted our school spirit. Our class really came together during the raffle, because we wanted to win,” said Meghan Joyce ’18.

“The prizes and day off made me want to sell all of my books. I’m also excited to see all of the new changes that will be made with the money we earned,” said Nikki Thanas’18.

Even students from other grades were impressed by the hard work and dedication of the freshmen class. “I think it’s amazing that the freshman class sold so many books, because they will be the ones that actually get to see most of the changes being made” said Ella Bjurman ’15.

The current freshmen class has three more years to keep up their enthusiasm and competitive spirit. Hopefully they can keep their selling status in the years to come. “I am going to expect great things from the class of 2018,” said Schatz.