LUCKY COIN PLACED ATOP JOHNSTON SMOKESTACK

Greater Johnstown School District Superintendent Barbara Parkins and James Knox Polk shared something in common Thursday.

Parkins and the 11th president of the United States were more than 85 feet above the ground as part of a good luck ceremony at Johnstown Middle School.

"What we did was we climbed 85 feet to the top of the smokestack and placed a gold coin on the top for good luck," she said.

The dollar coin bearing the president's image, was placed there at the behest of RG Friday Masonry-Concrete of Pittsburgh, contractor for the $1 million restoration of the building.

"We know the gold coin signifies good luck," Parkins said. "It was something that was recommended by our construction company."

Parkins and job foreman Bob Boeltz rode the lift to the top of the smokestack.

"It was nice looking at the surrounding areas and the Pennsylvania hills," Parkins said.

More than 400 students peeked from classroom windows to witness the unusual ceremony.

To read the complete article, see: Schools chief places coin atop smokestack (www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_254005105.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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