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Luverne Elementary fifth-graders had a lesson in graphic design Friday and now have the opportunity to compete in a T-shirt design contest for the upcoming Cardinal Dash 2016.
The spring running event, in its second year, is a primary fundraiser for Parents Partners in Education.
“After last year’s event, we thought of different ways to improve,” said PPIE President Anne Shelton.
A T-shirt contest was one of the ideas, and it combines learning about graphic design and its potential career opportunities, she said.
Dave Haugom, owner of Print Express in Luverne, visited the four fifth-grade classrooms where students used Chromebooks to complete the half-hour lesson using the business’ T-shirt design website.
Students can voluntarily submit their entries through the same website once the designs are finished.
The contest deadline is Feb. 1.
The design winner will be revealed March 4 to kick off the fundraising period that ends April 1.
The Cardinal Dash has kindergarten through fifth-grade students requesting monetary pledges from the community and then running a half-mile or a two-mile course on April 22.
Students earn prizes for their fundraising efforts including a T-shirt with the newly selected student design if they raise $100 or more.
“Hopefully this encourages kids even more to go out and ask for pledges,” Shelton said.
Last year the event raised $12,600.
PPIE uses the funds to enhance educational opportunities throughout the school year. The Dash replaced the group’s traditional frozen food sales.
“Cardinal Dash 2016: Keeping Cardinal Kids Running” will take place April 22.