They compete Team vs. Team, Team vs. Faculty/Staff to prove there is more than one way to win. Sports teams, faculty, and staff at Vermont high schools will vie for victory of a new kind: winners in a community service competition. The team that brings in the most items for the local food shelf will be crowned the victor in a different kind of competition. Organized by student-athletes, faculty le
aders, parents and founder, Kristin Kany, giving back to the community is the goal, and local outposts of the Vermont food bank is the recipient. In addition to food donations by the athletes, all students can donate on behalf of their favorite team or teacher in an effort to bolster the competition. Parents of athletes can give nonperishable items, too. Essex High School Athletic Director Ed Hockenbury feels “the Competitive Giving League is yet another means for the student-athletes to hone their leadership skills via a community service challenge. Leading and winning certainly occurs both on and off the playing field.”
At EHS, many are contributing to making this inaugural competitive season a success:
• all students and staff who donate
• CTE Graphic Design students will help with promotional materials.
• EHS math league members are assisting with data compilation and formula creation to determine the winning team based on roster size and donation ratio.
• Athletic Leadership Council students are promoting participation in the competition among students, parents, faculty and staff, and fans. Organizer Kristin Kany says “this community competition is a clear win-win-win for all involved. The athletes get to tap into their inherent competitive nature to go head-to-head for a common Good. They are also learning hands-on organization of a big project. This fun contest can help enhance school spirit for all involved, teachers too. And, all our effort is geared toward serving others and helping fellow Vermonters, something with which our state especially excels. This can be a wonderful experience. We’re hoping for a very successful first season and plan to expand into winter sports. In the spring, we’re setting larger goals involving our greater community by challenging a rival school to help their community in this Competitive Giving League. That is our hope and our vision.”
Fall sports teams involved at Essex High School include: the new boys’ and girls’ volleyball squads, soccer, cross country, cheerleading, football and field hockey. For more information, or if you’d like to contribute, contact Kristin Kany at [email protected].
