Templeton Middle School (TMS) students collected more than 3,200 boxes of cereal to be donated to Sussex Outreach Services. The ‘Cereal Bowl’ is a service project launched by Templeton Middle School Student Council (TMSSC) and DECA members aimed at reducing food insecurity in the community.
“The enthusiasm my students brought to this competition was amazing,” said Templeton Middle School Student Council Advisor Dr. Mary Caucutt whose advisory class contributed a total of 907 boxes of cereal and ultimately won the competition.
Through a fun and competitive bracket-style system, advisory classes went head-to-head for five weeks, trying to collect the most boxes of cereal. Every week, the class with the most donations would advance to the next level.
“Thank you so much Bulldog staff, students and families,” said Sussex Outreach Services Executive Director Jennifer Waltz. “Who doesn’t love cereal? It makes a great breakfast, snack or in a pinch, dinner! We love all the choices we are able to offer our clients with this amazing cereal collection. Congrats on beating last year’s record! We are so grateful for this wonderful show of support for our Hamilton families that are facing hunger and finding ways to feed their families.”
“It’s amazing to be able to donate food to people in need,” said Templeton Middle School seventh grade student Emma Wodarczak.
“Our class just wanted to collect cereal for the kids who need it most,” added Templeton Middle School seventh grade student Jasmine Bunyer.
Templeton Middle School seventh grade student Madalyn Jansen contributed to the cause and said “It is amazing that I can have the chance to help people and know that I was a part of it!”
Dr. Julie Odefey is a seventh grade teacher at Templeton Middle School whose students rose to the challenge by participating in a variety of ways. “I had students who took the initiative to call companies to try to get donations, some that shopped with their parents and others who provided monetary donations and had me shop. It was uplifting to see so many students wanting to contribute to help restock the food pantry,” she adds.
Nature’s Path, a Sussex based company known for its breakfast cereals, donated 380 boxes of cereal to the TMS Cereal Bowl more than doubling the company’s 2024 donation. “I love the involvement of local businesses in our community” explains Odefey.
Caucutt says the Cereal Bowl project is a shining example of how collaboration and community spirit can make a real difference in the lives of children facing hunger. “The success of this year’s Cereal Bowl is a testament to the commitment and generosity of the entire community. The competition not only provided tangible support to those in need but also brought people together for a good cause,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort.”
TMSSC and DECA are student organizations committed to making a positive impact on our community. Through various projects and initiatives, they provide students with opportunities to learn, grow, and give back to those in need. Both organizations are led by advisors Timothy Kruschel and Dr. Mary Caucutt.