Number of Participants: 30
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $2,535
Event Type: Hunger
Sport: Cheerleading
School: John Jay High School
Date: February 10, 2025
Location:
John Jay High School
2012 New York 52, Hopewell Junction
NY
About:
This year, the JV and Varsity cheerleading teams came together for a heartwarming community service initiative—the “Soup”er Bowl food drive. A total of 30 athletes participated, combining their efforts to give back to those in need in their community.
While the exact number of food items collected isn’t available, the teams were able to fill up the back of a car with bags of donations, showcasing the incredible generosity of the athletes and their supporters. The food drive was organized at a crucial time—many local food pantries had shared on social media that their supplies were running low. With the Super Bowl right around the corner, the teams decided to put their own spin on the event, creating a fun and friendly competition between the JV and Varsity teams. The result was an outpouring of support and a great time for all involved!
Community service is a vital part of the teams’ mission, and they always strive to be mindful of the needs in their area. After the holidays, when much of the attention on helping others tends to fade, the teams felt it was the perfect time to step in and make a difference. This food drive was the third one organized this year, but it was the first time it was done with the “Soup”er Bowl theme. The teams are proud to make it an annual tradition moving forward.
The cheerleading teams were honored with the NYS Section One Community Service Award, a recognition they cherish deeply. It is their hope that through these initiatives, they can inspire other teams and community members to join in the effort to make the world a better place. Together, they believe that every action counts in making a difference.
Here’s to many more food drives, and a big thank you to everyone who contributed!
