By Sarah Riley
News-Chronicle
Does bologna have a first name in China, Spain, Germany and Italy?
Maybe not, but a group of 13 kids at Martin Elementary School won $10,000 for their school by singing the Oscar Mayer theme songs set to traditional music from those countries.
For the second year in a row, the school was the Wisconsin winner of School House Jam, a talent search challenging kids to sing the "Bologna Song," "Weiner Jingle" or "Spanish Jingle" in a creative way.
Fourth- and fifth-graders from Martin recorded themselves singing the songs set to traditional music and dressed in costumes that fit the part. For their efforts, the kids have earned $10,000 to use in the school's music program.
More importantly, the Weinermoblie and its two "Hotdogger" drivers made a stop at the school Thursday morning. After running a few minutes late, the Weinermobile was greeted at the school with "Thank You Oscar Mayer" banners and screams that only excited kids could produce.
"We won for the second year in a row," said music teacher Jennifer Kozak. "I told the kids their chance was slim to none (before they started)."
Last year Kozak purchased musical instruments and a new sound system for the music department. This time around it will be "probably more of the same," she said.
Fifth-grader Claire Bassett, one of the girls of the group who said she'd like to sing when she grows up, said the repeat prize was a big deal for the school.
"It's kind of a reward because it shows what our teacher has done for us," she said.
"It's my favorite class," added fifth-grader Alexis Sauter.