Kindergarten students at West Side Elementary recently showcased what can happen with a little hard work and pride within the community.

Over the course of the school year, children have created different cookie, donut and cupcake shops to raise money for different causes. This year, the students were able to donate funding to different projects, including the Bonnie Kate, Elizabethton/Carter County Imagination Library, the Downtown Lighting Fund and the Veterans’ Walk of Honor and Memorial.

In a surprise near the tail end of the event, City Council welcomed students and led them down a march of the Veterans Walk, ultimately ending at the War Memorial.

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Carter addressed the class and teachers and thanked them for their work.