by Caitlin Conner
Staff Writer

Friday Nov. 20 was the 7^th annual North Texas Food Bank Turkey Drive at Coppell High School and all surrounding middle and elementary schools. Ready, Set, Teach! students spent the day at their elementary and middle schools collecting the turkeys while senior officers stayed and collected at CHS.

“It just makes sense for all of the Ready, Set, Teach! kids to help with the drive since they are already at their schools,” Shelly Redding said. “I want the students to learn that teaching isn’t just about teaching. It’s about giving of yourself and your time to help your school.”

The Turkey Drive benefits the North Texas Food Bank whose purpose is to pursue a hunger-free community by distributing food through a network of 1,093 feeding and education programs in 13 counties. Each turkey donated will go to providing a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need.

Ready, Set, Teach! student senior Shelby Crow says her favorite part of the turkey drive was watching her class get involved.

“I loved it because the kids were so excited about helping others,” Rohani said. “At Cottonwood Creek Elementary, they really stress teaching the kids about giving back to the community and service learning.”

CHS had several incentives for students to get involved which were broken up into different categories including clubs or athletic groups, teacher’s fourth period classes, grade levels, boys versus girls and faculty department. The football team brought a total of 62 turkeys and will receive a cookie Coach McBride will also get to park in Ms. Dorhout’s spot for one week. Ms. Caviness’ class brought a total of 39 turkeys, winning them the most turkeys brought by a 4^th period class category. They will receive a cookie party and Ms. Caviness will get to park in Ms. Peddy’s spot for one week.

The freshman class brought the most turkeys and will receive one hat day for all 9^th graders. The battle of the sexes was won by the boys, who will also receive one hat day. The Math department won the faculty department challenge with 21 turkeys. They will receive one week of jeans and Ms. Bourg will get to park in Mr. Hunt’s space for one week.

Coppell High School donated 415 turkeys and every student will receive one hat day and one “No Homework Day”. District wide, 3,052 frozen turkeys were donated on the campuses with an additional 110 online donations for a grand total of 3,162 turkeys.  This turkey drive has been the most successful to date.

List of Donated Turkeys

Elementary Schools

Austin: 200

Cottonwood Creek: 205

Denton Creek: 215

Lakeside: 385

Mockingbird: 183

Pinkerton: 194

Town Center: 194

Valley Ranch: 249

Wilson: 160

Middle Schools

East: 112

North: 160

West: 189

Turning Point: 16

New Tech High @ Coppell:  175

Coppell High School: 415