While other students were looking for candy on Halloween, members of the SHS student council were looking for cans. They went trick-or-treating for Hunger Inc. donations as part of the recent SHS canned food drive.

“When (the council members) were knocking on doors, people were actually giving them money and cans,” student council sponsor Joe Leonard said. “And it was really exciting for me to see us connect with the community.”

In conjunction with other fundraising methods, the student council exceeded its goal of 2000 cans and collected over 3000, according to Leonard. To increase the number of donations, the student council offered an incentive to the class that brought in the most cans. The students in the winning classroom would have the chance to choose from either a pizza party or doughnuts from Long’s Bakery.

Freshman treasurer Teya Cassaday says, in addition to the incentive, helping with the canned food drive was a positive experience because she was able to do more for her community.

“I got to help my community and be more a part of my community than just walking around, going to high school,” Cassaday said. “I actually got to be a part and do something for someone else.”

For junior Solomon Biak, also a member of the student council, his perspective of students changed due to his experience with the can drive. The event helped him see that students “have a heart,” a realization that he says was a memorable moment.

According to Biak, seeing his ability to help those in need changed his life and made him a more positive person. He says it caused him to realize his capabilities in helping others and made him want to do more in his community.

“I hope this is a great lesson for each one of us… how important cooperation is, how important love is,” Biak said.