Food Drive Stuck in Neutral

The annual food drive at Highland High has begun, and with a new and interesting twist.  A poster charting the school’s progress hangs in the main hall, with prizes for each increase of 500 cans. At 1,500 cans, principal Paul Schulte has promised to wax his legs, and with 2,000 he will proudly wear a dress. With only 500 more, he will dye his hair. Finally, 3,000 cans promises a full makeover.

Mac Wilson, one of the students heading up this year’s drive, explains that a reasonable goal for Highland is at least 1,500 cans of food. He believes it is generally helpful to have incentives such as the tortures for our principal, but says so far “it apparently is not.” The food drive broke 500 cans just this week, and waxing principal Schulte’s legs seems as far away as ever.

Highland is not discouraged, however. There are several methods to raise awareness, gather food and produce more promising results. Teacher Sione Ika makes sure his students are aware of the school-wide service project, promising extra credit for students who bring in cans.

“I just do it to support the school. Any drive they do, I do this. It gives students a little bit of an out with some of their challenges,” Ika said.

He explains he has found some success in this method, and that it depends on him reminding his students.

There is also a competition between classes for which A-5 class period can assemble the most cans of food. Teachers have repeatedly encouraged students to bring cans, reminding that cans mean a win for that class.

Sadie Hawkin’s was another form of bribe to students. Those who bring two cans of food to the dance receive two dollars off of usual price.

Hopefully efforts by Highland staff will fill up the bins this week before the drive comes to an end this Monday, Nov. 16^th. Whether you are encouraged by the thought of our principal in a dress, enticed by Mr. Ika’s extra credit or you purely want to serve those in need, students have plenty of reason to donate to the food drive at Highland High.