While the Save the Summer fund is still over $8,000 away from their goal, residents were confident they would make it during a gathering to recognize the fundraising efforts of students Wednesday at Harrison Square Park in Alexandria.

Alexandria-Monroe Elementary Principal Scott Deetz, Alexandria-Monroe Intermediate Principal Chris Schnepp and St. Mary’s Principal Sister Marilyn Huegerich met Wednesday at Harrison Square Park in Alexandria as the schools were recognized for the $4674.49 their students raised towards the effort to install a liner in the Alexandria City Pool so it can open this summer.

Also at the gathering was Mayor Jack Woods who told the crowd work will begin on installing the pool liner in the next few weeks.

In a friendly challenge Deetz and Schnepp agreed that the principal whose school raised the least would walk from their school to the park wearing their swim trunks.

With the schools raising the same amount they both agreed to walk through town wearing in their trunks.

Several students from the elementary school decided to join Deetz on his walk and in recognition of Earth Day they donned latex gloves and picked up garbage they found along their route.

Save the Summer donations can be mailed to Save the Summer, P.O. Box 72, Alexandria, IN 46001 or in person at the Alexandria City Building Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.