Hillcrest Elementary School Principal Paula Seaman donned a penguin costume Wednesday as part of a light-hearted celebration of students’ efforts raising money for the school.

The students in November sold holiday gifts, wrapping paper and cookie dough to raise around $26,000 for the school’s parent teacher association.

The money will help fund field trips and improvements to the school such as purchasing new carpeting, electronics and playground equipment.

Paula Seaman wore the suit throughout school Wednesday.

“I even went out into the community,” Seaman said, noting she stopped by a coffee shop that day.

She said the students worked hard raising the money.

A number of the students selling the highest amounts were treated to Otter Pops and Tootsie Pops. Because they raised so much money, they will also be treated to a movie and popcorn in January.

The fundraiser had a penguin theme to it. Students would receive little penguins as they sold money.

A glow-in-the-dark figurine named “Boo” was the most popular and the students would trade their favorites.

In January, the students will watch “Happy Feet.”

People who purchased their items picked them up Wednesday. The halls near the main entrance of the school were packed with boxes.

The PTA fundraiser came at a busy time for students. It took place around the same time that students were collecting items for the school district’s “Fill the Bus” food drive.

The Hillcrest students collected around 3,500 items for their part of the fundraiser.