Published: March 30, 2009 02:32 pm      

VISTO proves who is Smarter than a Fifth Grader

Rusty Clark, Callisburg Elementary principal, and Josh Brinkley, Valley View School Board member, both proved they were smarter than a 5th grader, Saturday during VISTO’s second annual “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” fund raising event in the NCTC Lions Field House.

David Gray, Hillcrest Church of Christ pastor, came close to out witting the 5th grade contestants and made it to the $1 million question, but decided to play it safe, rather than gamble and possibly loose all the funds he had won.

“If I stop now can I keep what I’ve got and not embarrass myself any further?,” asked Gray to Emcee Steve Eberhart, manager for KGAF.

After given the go ahead, Gray pulled out of the game and looked towards a camera located in the center of the audience.

“I’m taking the money,” said Gray. “I am dropping out. My name is David Gray and I am not smarter than a 5th grader.”

Other contestants for the game included John Averill, a VISTO volunteer, and Phyllis Griffin, AgriLife extension agent/Cooke County 4-H.

Kid contestants included Sesalie Satterwhite from Callisburg Elementary, Jackson Lane from Era Elementary, Reagan Woodlock from Lee Intermediate, Scout Tatum from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Bailey Brooks from Sivells Bend Elementary School and Lindsey Whitt from Valley View Elementary School.

Although the winning contestants did not actually earn $1 million, First Baptist Church in Gainesville pledged $1 for every “$1,000” won during the game. Terry Bradshaw also agreed to match the church’s money given.

Judges for the game included David Gehr, Dorthy Lewis and Terri Wilhite.

In total, the event raised $30,288 which will go towards VISTO’s Backpack Buddy program which provides weekend meals to children in Cooke County schools who have been identified as “at risk” for hunger.

Both a live auction and silent auction also took place prior to the game. Auctioneer Herkey Biffle helped during the live auction as audience members bid on items such as a turkey hunt for two in Saint Jo, a guided fishing trip by Jim Goldsworthy and two tickets to the Nascar Sprint Cup Races. The most popular item, however, was an autographed football by Terry Bradshaw which was sold for $350.

Cooke County 4-Hers served free drinks and cookies throughout the afternoon and door prizes were also provided by Prosperity Bank, Gainesville Convalescent Center and Pawless Fest.

Towards the end of the event, Susan Metzler, vice president of the VISTO Board, announced the winners of a sentence contest. Area students were asked to complete a sentence in which stated what Backpack Buddy meant to them. The winning students named were Jose Alvarado from Valley View Elementary for first place, Nevaeh Andrews from Edison Elementary for second place and Reagan Martin from St. Mary’s Catholic School for third place.

Backpack Buddy is always in need of volunteers and donations such as instant breakfast, oatmeal, poptarts, Vienna sausage, 3 oz. foil packs of tuna, Beanee Weenes, 7.5 oz. lunch cups and new unmarked backpacks. To find out more information on how you can help, please call 668-6403.