Clanton Elementary School held its first “Auction for Academics” Tuesday in the school’s lunchroom.

The event, which served as a fundraiser for the school’s 13 first grade teachers, was originally set for March 5 until the threat of severe weather pushed it back.

“It was a big success,” said CES first grade teacher Shannon Lee, one of the event organizers. “We had a good turnout.”

The event started with a silent auction featuring artwork from students.

A brief singing from the first grade students followed, with a live auction that saw Chilton County School Superintendent Tommy Glasscock serve as auctioneer.

Lee said Glasscock’s support for the fundraiser was appreciated.

“For me, personally, having Mr. Glasscock up there made the whole event fun,” she said. “He told us he’d be glad to help us any way he can.”

The event raised just over $4,000, and while exact figures for attendance were unavailable, Lee said the “lunchroom was full” of people looking to support the CES first grade.

“The teachers are going to be able to (spend) a lot on supplies,” she said. “A lot of parents and grandparents came.”

In addition to students’ families, Lee said several members of the Board of Education, including Joe Mims, Lori Patterson and Pam Price, all made appearances.

“They were all very supportive,” Lee said. “It was nice to see them there.”

Lee also said that several of the teachers planned to use the funds earned from the event to help improve technology in the classroom.

“A lot are looking at the technology route,” she said. “That’s what the students know and the way all school systems are going. We’re trying to keep up.”

Lee said the event’s success has the CES first grade teachers already eyeing how to make next year’s event even bigger.

“We’re looking forward to doing it again next year,” she said. “We appreciate everyone who (helped), and without our community sponsors, we couldn’t have done it.”