Willis students duct tape principal

At a time when Manatee County public schools are facing tremendous budget cuts, students at Willis Elementary School have helped put their principal in an even stickier position.

After raising more than $40,000 during the school's annual Walk-a-thon fundraiser, Principal Bill Stenger let students duct tape him — as well as coach Jason Morales — to the wall.

Stenger and Morales mounted stepping stools around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, before students came in one-by-one to stretch colored duct tape across their bodies. Students assembled around 2 p.m. for the big "unveil," as volunteers and staff removed the stools and left Stenger and Morales hanging before students' eyes.

"The challenge to the kids was to raise more than $40,000 (and we'd do this)," said Stenger, who was taped to the wall last school year, as well. "We're keeping our end of the bargain."

For a complete story and more photos, see the May 23 issue of the East County Observer.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].