News : McTeacher Night: VSMS students, teachers gather at McDonald's

Connor Cain, who will turn 1 next week, closely examines Ronald McDonald Tuesday in Vinton.

Clarissa Carolan reacts as Ronald McDonald announces her 13th birthday to the restaurant crowd.

Clarissa Carolan had a memorable 13th birthday on Tuesday, as Ronald McDonald led a restaurant full of people in singing "Happy Birthday" to the VS Middle School student.

Clarissa was one of many VSMS students and teachers to visit the restaurant on "McTeacher Night," when the restaurant celebrated its renovation by holding a fund-raiser for the school.

VSMS Principal Shelly Petersen sold countless cookies, and several VSMS teachers helped behind the counter.

Many people had their photos taken with the famous clown. One of them, VSMS student Cole Klinzing, had a chance to reunite with the famous clown, whom he had met a decade ago when the restaurant opened in Vinton. Cole's mom, Angie, showed Ronald the photo she had taken of him and Cole 10 years ago.

Money from the event will go toward VSMS year-end activities, when the school honors the students for their academic successes. Mrs. Petersen says the school, which earned an "Exceptional" rating from the Iowa Department of Education this year, has much to celebrate as the school year concludes.

All proceeds from cookie sales, and 20 percent of sales made using special VSMS coupons, went toward the school during Tuesday's event.

See more photos HERE.