The 2022 TAHS Pennies for Panzi campaign ended on Friday, February 18, raising $578.16 for the Panzi Foundation in support of the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the work of the hospital founder and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Denis Mukwege.

This money will be added to the nearly $600 raised for the Panzi Hospital at the annual YAN Halloween Event in the fall.

According to YAN advisor and TAHS social studies teacher Cummins McNitt, the money will go a long way, especially during the pandemic.

”With the global pandemic, funding sources have been tough for non-profits, and Panzi is no exception,” said McNitt.

In total, YAN has been able to donate $18,200 to the Panzi Hospital over the years.

Donations were accepted in all social studies classrooms, which includes Mr. McNitt, Mr. Cammarata, Mr. Elder, Mrs. Redinger, and Mrs. Burket’s classes.

McNitt’s seventh-period world cultures class raised the most money and his eighth-period world cultures class collected the most pennies.

The seventh-period class raised a total amount of $132.65, and his eighth period had a positive penny value of $16.59. Both classes earned cookies courtesy of YAN and the cafeteria.

Between the YAN Halloween Night and the Pennies for Panzi campaign, YAN was able to donate over $1,100 to the Panzi Hospital this year.

McNitt praised the students and staff of Tyrone High School for their generosity and hard work to support this worthwhile international cause.

“Personally, I would like to thank the participating teachers, but more importantly, the student body for stepping up. They really came through with shining colors. Each year during the pandemic, [the amount raised] seems to get worse. The fact that they were able to do this much is impressive,” said McNitt.