The Pennies for Patients student assembly May 1 at the Colonel John Siegfried Elementary School, Northampton, included a giant puzzle, where boys and girls had to rearrange large numbers until the figures matched what was collected in the fund drive.

When the work was done, the sum of $7,612.65 was displayed, and the students broke out in a deafening cheer. They had surpassed their goal of $6,745 and broke the 2014 record of $6,718.38.

For the sixth consecutive year, the school's Student Council organized the Pennies for Patients project benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society based in the Lehigh Valley. The money will go toward medical care for those stricken with cancer as well as for research.

Retired teacher Gary Pierzga, former Siegfried Student Council adviser who headed the program for five years, was elated the record was shattered by such a large amount.

Student Council Co-Advisers Jamie Horvath and Joan Gaetaniello said, over the previous five years, a total of $26,081.64 was collected during the fund drive. Felicia Neuber, representing the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, said she was overwhelmed by the school's generosity.

For several weeks, large white buckets were placed in the homerooms. It didn't take long for pennies to fill the buckets to the brim. Contributions were also accepted in larger amounts both at the school and online.

The student assembly was podcast to the Franklin School, since its kindergarten and pre-school boys and girls were part of the fundraising.

The event became a competitive event as well, pitting the grades against each other. The grade that collected the most money, fourth grade, earned a pizza party. Those students collected $1,670.87.

Among those present were Principal Carol Cunningham, NASD Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik, Mayor Thomas Reenock, Police Chief Ron Morey and school directors.