Have you ever wondered if you should hold onto that old family heirloom that’s collecting dust on your bookshelf? Sophomore Madeline Eubanks is glad that her family did. Her great-grandmother’s 1933 class ring recently won Eubanks a free class ring from Jostens.

The last week of January, Jostens held a contest for a free sophomore class ring at FCHS. The student that brought in the oldest class ring would win the contest and could design their ring however they chose in white lustrium metal, free of charge.

“Every year I have offered a free class ring winner. It is normally randomly drawn. This year, I decided to change it a little and offer the ‘Oldest Class Ring’ contest,” said Jostens representative Holly Sidwell.

Students were informed of the contest at the class ring meeting on Jan. 24. Sidwell told them to talk to their friends and family about their class rings and what they meant to them. People could bring their rings to Sidwell on order days or Parent Night to be eligible for the free ring. The winner, Eubanks, was chosen at Parent Night on Feb. 1.

Eubanks won the contest with her 1933 class ring. “The ring was my great-grandma’s who graduated from Gordonsville [High School],” she said. Eubanks was thrilled when they announced the contest winner. “I was really excited. I think it’s really cool that I get to design my ring how I like for free.”

She chose to design her ring in sterling silver with the June birthstone, Alexandrite. By winning the contest, Eubanks received a $290 ring at no charge.

Sidwell, who noted that this is an annual contest, said that the winner’s free ring can range from $89 to over $440, so if you’re interested in a ring, make sure you participate in next year’s contest. Sidwell added that she is holding an ice cream social before the class ring ceremony in April, where students will be presented their rings one at a time.

For more information about Jostens class rings and jewelry (which now includes necklaces and bracelets), go to Jostens.com. http://www.jostens.com/jewelry/high-school-jewelry.html