By Ken Gaidziunas

Staff Writer

The McKillop Elementary School cafetorium was filled to capacity Friday afternoon with hundreds of excited students and camera-toting parents.

The awards ceremony recognized the students and the school in winning $30,000 in classroom technology in the eInstruction Classroom Makeover Video Contest.

John Hardison of eInstruction, the host and master of ceremonies for the afternoon, congratulated and praised the hardworking students of Karen Rose's class, who produced the winning video.

Each student in Rose's class received a medal from the eInstruction staff, and Hardison raised the $30,000 prize check to thunderous applause.

Later, Hardison described the ceremony in one word: "Awesome. It's just awesome to see a child so excited about education."

After the presentation, the McKillop students enjoyed the first tangible benefit of being winners -- cake and ice cream.