With the holiday season in full swing, several Frenship schools are working to support families facing food insecurity within the community. Frenship ISD encourages all students and staff to lead by example and embody the Frenship Way. This strategic initiative promotes servant leadership, fostering positive behaviors among students and staff, and inspiring them to serve the community at every opportunity.
At Legacy Elementary, the student council raised money and collected cans to benefit Upland Misson, a local clothing closet and food pantry. They had a crazy hair day, gum day, hat day, a pajama day, as well as a day students could wear slippers and bring stuffed animals.
This year, the student council decided to raise the stakes and motivate students to exceed their fundraising goal. For each can donated, students could cast a vote for a teacher. The teacher with the most votes had to pucker up and kiss a pig in front of the entire school.
Leeanna Davis, the Legacy Data Intervention Specialist and Student Council Advisor, stated the pig kiss incentive proved to be an effective strategy.
“We wanted to offer another incentive besides dress-up days this year,” said Davis “The kids really enjoyed pulling their votes together to vote with their cans.”
In the end, Davis was the lucky teacher who received the most votes. As the entire school gathered outside, Davis puckered up to a pig. Legacy collected an impressive 2,877 cans, surpassing their goal and making a significant impact on families in the community.
At Willow Bend Elementary, students raised $1,071 and collected over 500 cans for Upland Mission through their various dress-up days. When the student council delivered the donations, they also dedicated their time to service. They sorted clothes, cleaned rooms, unloaded cans, and helped with any other tasks the volunteers needed assistance with.
Elisa Gonzales, the Willow Bend Student Council Advisor, explained that the students love to volunteer and make an impact. The student council has continued to support Upland Mission for several years. Gonzales stated they learn the power of service through their time at the mission.
“Our students get to see firsthand the impact of their school and fundraising,” said Gonzales. “We want to teach our students to serve their community. For some, this may be their first time volunteering their time and we sure hope not their last.”
The Frenship Middle School student council hosted their annual U Can Share Food Drive to benefit the South Plains Food Bank. The group volunteered at the food bank over two days sorting and packing food to be delivered to families in the area.
Andrea Carter, one of the FMS Student Council Advisors, stated the student council students continue to embody the Frenship Way through their service acts.
“Our student council thinks it’s important to participate in the food drive because we are a service organization and have a servant’s heart,” said Carter.
The efforts of Frenship students and staff during this season of giving exemplify the true spirit of the Frenship Way Through their actions, Frenship students are learning the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on their community this holiday season.