Glen Este’s “Cash for Cans” a Success: Every year, Glen Este High School holds a canned food drive for the eastern area YWCA food pantry and Battered Women’s Shelter. In the past, the drive has been a tradition that was not reaching its full potential. This year, the food drive was the most successful yet! By turning the food drive into a class wide competition, Glen Este managed to raise over a thousand more dollars than last year. Even without the competition, it was amazing the amount of spirit within each student at school. Student Council co-advisor, Mrs. Lach enthusiastically stated, “students were really excited about giving back to our community. I had a student bring in two huge baskets full of canned goods which he collected from his neighborhood. Another student collected change from his family members to help support this cause. Students came up to me that I didn’t know and were expressing what they did to help with the food drive. I know that all types of students will “step up” when they know the cause is worthwhile. This was one of the most awesome experiences that I have ever had. Student Council did a great job preparing boxes, collecting cans and delivering the goods.”
Each class at Glen Este was given a goal, which was based on the class size during third period. The goal could be reached by money, cans, or a combination of the two—each can was worth 25 cents. Every class that reached their goal amount, or over their goal, was allowed to attend an hour long holiday assembly put on by Student Council. The top three classes that rose over their goals were also awarded breakfast, and presented with the prize at the holiday assembly. The top winners were students from Mr. Curless’, Mr. Gee’s and Mrs. Dohrmann’s 3rd period classes. Additionally, if a class did not meet their goal, teachers could send the top three students who raised the most money along to the assembly.
The competition was met with enthusiasm far beyond expectations. The assembly offered many performances, such as a poetry/story reading from the Café Poetica group, GE Dance Company, song selections from By Request and GE Concert Band, a skit from student council, and a visit from Santa. Perhaps it was that which led to 85 percent of the classes raising their goal. Maybe it was just the prospect of getting out of third period. Whatever the catalyst, the end result was a combined total (cans and money) of over 3200 dollars!
Overall, the food drive was an immense success, one that was not expected, but no less appreciated. Every student that donated helped feed a family and assist those in need in our community, and should be commended for their efforts. What occurred at one high school encompassed the true spirit of the holidays, and all because of a tradition. Great job, GE!
-Emily Connor
