Independence Middle School’s Builders Club once again energized the school community with its annual Canned Food Drive, held November 17–21. Students, staff, and families united to support the Independence Yuletide Hunger Program, donating an impressive 737 canned and nonperishable items along with $846 in total monetary contributions—including funds raised through the popular Pie a Teacher and Turkey Bowling raffle contests.
Each morning, students delivered donations to the IMS lobby, where Builders Club representatives checked in participants and tallied grade-level totals. This year, 5th grade led the school, bringing in more cans and more cash than any other grade level.
A friendly competition added excitement throughout the week. The top three donors in each grade level earned a coveted spot in the student–staff volleyball game:
5th Grade: Olivia Karim, Megan Roman, Ava Vourliotis
6th Grade: Audrey VanDyke, Noah Clymer, Yusuf Suleman
7th Grade: Demitri Vourliotis, Kathryn Koscho, Charlie Hill
8th Grade: Carter Fahl, Aubrey Volk, Alister Carmean
A special shout-out goes to IMS Top Donor Olivia Karim, a 5th grader who donated generously each day and contributed a remarkable amount of her own personal savings to support families in need.
Students also enjoyed festive lunchtime activities, including Turkey Bowling—where they bowled a frozen turkey toward a set of cans—and the always-anticipated Pie a Teacher fundraiser. The top five teachers volunteered to be pied, with Joe Durny, Michaela Bloam, Matt Burns, and Steve Ambrose securing spots, and a tie between Dawn Frate and Principal Haley Mueller set to be decided with a round of rock-paper-scissors.
“Our students always rise to the occasion when it comes to helping others,” said Mueller. “Their compassion and energy made this year’s drive one of our most spirited yet.”
The Builders Club’s efforts not only supported a meaningful community cause but also highlighted the values of service, empathy, and leadership that continue to shine brightly at Independence Middle School.
