Things usually come in threes at Jody Richards Elementary School.

When the 750 kids want to recognize someone at the morning assembly in the gymnasium, they clap quickly three times – the Rocket 3 clap. They are, after all, the Jody Richards Rockets.

So when teacher Heather Bushelman announced Friday morning that students at Jody Richards had collected 333 pairs of eyeglasses for the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Lions Club, that feat earned a Rocket 3 clap for the homeroom winners and the girl who collected the most pairs of eyeglasses.

Allison Pearson’s fourth-grade homeroom collected the greatest number of eyeglasses, and student Haley Lance collected 125 pairs herself. The Lions gave the homeroom $100 to spend on something for the classroom.

The second-highest collection was in Sara Phillips’ kindergarten class, and they received $50.

Haley said her grandfather had been collecting pairs of eyeglasses. When he heard about the drive at Jody Richards, he turned over a bag of eyeglasses to the fourth-grader, giving her a good head start.

Haley said she’s learned it is important for people to have eyeglasses. 

Principal Stephanie Martin said the kids turned down a pizza party offered by the Lions Club for their efforts. “It’s not about the money. Our kids are really excited to do anything for the community,” Martin said. “They know it’s the right thing to do.”

Phillip Stagner, SKYCTC Lions Club president, said the collections began Jan. 5, and the eyeglasses were counted Friday morning. The collection coincides with Lions Club Week of Service.

Stagner said eyeglass prescriptions will be determined, and the glasses will be sent to a distribution center in Upland, Ind., north of Indianapolis. Betty Witten, Lions 43E District Governor, said it was heartwarming to see the kids’ efforts. 

“I think it’s great. It gets the kids into the habit of doing service. When they get older, they may join the Lions Club someday,” she said.

Witten said the Lions Club organization has a youth component called Leo Clubs, which 13- to 18-year-olds may join. There are five Lions Clubs in Bowling Green-Warren County, and there is a Leo Club at Warren East High School. There are 37 Lions Clubs in the 43E District, which stretches from Muhlenberg to Barren counties. Witten said the Lions Club will hold its district convention March 6-8 at the Sloan Convention Center.

“This shows the kids how to be part of the community,” Lions Club member Roger Burns said.

Pearson said the fourth-grade class hasn’t decided what it will purchase with the $100. Phillips said glue sticks – which kindergarten students apparently use up very quickly – might be on her class’ shopping list for the $50.

— Follow education reporter Charles A. Mason on Twitter at twitter.com/bgdnschools