Junior High Schools Compete For Charity

BENTONVILLE — Washington and Lincoln junior high schools will compete against each other in an attempt to “Tackle Hunger” this week.

The schools will carry on the annual Charity Cup Challenge this year by holding a food drive to benefit Samaritan Community Center. The competition will come to a head on Thursday night when the schools play each other in football.

“We have a lot of faithful students who would like to help,” said Justice Macy, Student Council president at Lincoln Junior High. “This will help a lot of people who actually need it.”

The Samaritan Community Center is a nonprofi t organization that serves the poor in Northwest Arkansas, said Debbie Rambo, executive director.

“We are really excited about the food drive and what they are doing,” Rambo said. “I love the competition aspect of it. I think it gets the kids excited and gets them involved.”

The school that collects the most food between today and Thursday will win the charity cup. Donations for the drive will also be accepted at the gate before the football game.

“I think it is important for the students to see how others are living,” said Kathy Murry, Washington Junior High principal. “All students need to be involved in some sort of community service and give back to others.”

Washington Junior High School will raise spirits during a tailgate rally Thursday. Students at Lincoln Junior High held a pep rally last week celebrating the competition.

“The principals of both schools have been instrumental in educating the students on this need,” said Stacy Barron, parent of Washington Junior High students and organizer of the event. “We have outstanding staff at all of the schools in Bentonville, and I have a great amount of respect for them.”