How To Win Money From Atheists

At his Tennessee high school's annual Dress Like A Fictional Character Day, one kid showed up as Jesus. Not only was he not expelled, he's been awarded scholarship money from an atheists group.

Jeff Shott, a sophomore at Summit High School, was not disciplined for his action back in January, but Principal Charles Farmer did advise him that if the costume caused a distraction during the day he would have to remove it. Shott voluntarily removed his robes and sash, a costume that included a hammer and nail. But Shott's pluck was not overlooked by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the organization, located in Madison, Wis., said Shott exhibited "spunk and a light touch with his actions." "We wanted to encourage him, and we know the cost of higher education. This is just a small stipend toward that," Gaylor said. Shott is the first to receive the Paul Gaylor Memorial Student Activist scholarship, named for Annie Laurie Gaylor's father, who recently passed away, she said.

(Tipped by JMG reader Subtle Knife)