All Saints students help raise funds to dedicate classroom

FLORENCE — Students at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School sprinted around the school’s front lawn Wednesday to help raise funds to dedicate one of the school’s classrooms in honor of Ann Mullins, a longtime friend to education.

Wednesday’s Spring Sprint was a fun and noncompetitive run/walk event designed for all 355 All Saints’ students to help the school raise funds by asking for pledges for laps completed during the event, said Marilyn Tatum, president of the school’s Parent Guild.

Students ran a maximum of 30 laps each, she said.

Students from Trinity Collegiate School, as well as Francis Marion University men’s basketball and baseball teams, volunteered to help make the event a success.

Tatum said the event was a great way for the students to show their appreciation for Mullins’ contributions

“It’s just a very good cause,” Tatum said. “Most of these (students) have had her (as a teacher) and they’re very excited to do it. These are wonderful children and they have so much to give.”

Mark Bonnoitt, a 12-year-old sixth-grade student at All Saints, said Mullins has had a big impact on him and his family, having taught both him and his sister.

“Not only does she teach us all of our regular subjects but she teaches us manners, too,” Mark said.

Mark said it was important for him to be able to help support the fundraising campaign and that Mullins will always be remembered.

Allie Young, a sixth-grade student and student body president, said words couldn’t describe the impact Mullins has had on the students at All Saints’

“I really can’t put it into words,” Allie said. “She’s so awesome. She’s so caring. I learned a lot from her.”

Mullins has taught first grade at the school for 40 years and will retire at the end of the school year, said Beth Hopewell, the school’s director of administration.

Hopewell said Mullins has been part of the school community as a kindergarten teacher during the school’s early beginnings and through its development as a 3K through sixth-grade elementary school.

She said Mullins has been involved with not only teaching, but also has been an active participant in planning, fundraising events, and the success of completing the school’s new campus.

The Parent Guild recently presented Mullins with a plaque for her dedication and service at a special ceremony at the school.