Kinyon Elementary Penny War: Staff Hair Dye Stakes Reach Year 12

Kindergarten teacher Angel Thomas at Kinyon Elementary School in Taylor, Michigan, faces a new consequence for losing the school's annual coin collection. If the Michigan State fan base outraises the Michigan supporters, Thomas must dye her hair green on Monday. If the Wolverines raise more money, she will dye her hair blue. This penalty replaces previous punishments in the event's twelve-year history.

Principal Susan Sweet and Thomas have organized the penny war for twelve years. The competition runs ahead of the Michigan-Michigan State football game. Students and staff place coins and dollars into buckets aligned with either team. The school population is roughly 340 students. Sweet noted that the activity generates noise and excitement among the children.

"Today was fabulous," Sweet said. "The kids were coming and dropping in coins and dollars and getting a hoot and a holler from us." The outcome depends strictly on the total amount of cash collected. The result of the football game does not determine the winner of the school's contest.

Thomas has lost the competition every year it has been held. She confirmed the streak without hesitation. "No, I have lost every year," Thomas said. "We've lost every year. Yeah, I've lost every year." Past penalties for the losing side have included a pie to the face, being covered in silly string, and reading a script praising the Wolverines.

Thomas recalled one specific punishment involving a megaphone. "I've had to walk around classroom to classroom with a megaphone singing the fight song," she said. Sweet explained that the funds raised, typically between $500 and $700 in past years, help reimburse teachers for school-related expenses. This financial support assists staff who often purchase supplies out of pocket.

Resource room teacher Greg Young proposed a more severe penalty for the following year. "I think next year the loser gets their head shaved," Young said. The rivalry extends beyond the school walls to nearby households. Kevin Kozicki and Rebecca Cardinal, who live close to the school, are preparing for the game in a home split between the two teams.

Cardinal described the family tradition surrounding the event. "It is special," Cardinal said. "All of our family gets together for the big game. We all get together and we hang out in the garage and celebrate the game." At the school, student interest in the football game varies. Second grader Willow Leach stated she does not watch football.

Second grader Elizabeth Johnstone identified as a Michigan fan for her whole life. She displayed her nails and noted they needed more sparkle. "I need some more glitter on my nails," Johnstone said. When asked if the glitter might help Michigan win, she replied, "Well, nothing can go wrong with a little bit of glitter." Fourth grader Bradley Young offered a perspective on potential defeat.

"Even if we lose, it's gonna be OK," Young said. "We have still next year." The penny war serves as a fundraising mechanism that raises money for teachers while encouraging students to cheer for both teams. The competition continues to function as a primary driver for school spirit and financial support for staff expenses.