The famed Battle for Broad Street between Licking Heights and Watkins Memorial goes beyond a football rivalry — it is a chance for students, staff and families to give back to their communities.
Both districts have collaborative service activities planned leading up to this year’s football game, which will take place on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Warrior Football Stadium, 8808 Watkins Road SW, Pataskala.
“Each year, we anticipate the annual Battle for Broad Street competition with our rival district, Licking Heights. While the friendly rivalry is always exciting, what we truly value is the opportunity to raise awareness about food insecurity within our community,” said Kasey Perkins, superintendent of Southwest Licking Local Schools.
“It’s really special to see our students and community members come together to provide much-needed support to those in need. This event not only builds excitement for the Friday night football game but also allows our students to serve as stewards of their community,” Perkins said. “It’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful tradition. Go Warriors!”
The Pataskala Rotary Club will be a major sponsor for this year’s activities, along with support from community organizations and businesses, such as Nutcracker Family Restaurant, Pataskala United Methodist Church, and Summit Station United Methodist Church.
Events include annual favorites like the canned food drive and spaghetti dinner, with a few new activities like a blood drive battle and competitive staff donation campaigns for the United Way of Licking County.
Students will compete in the annual Battle for Broad Street Canned Food Drive from Monday, Oct. 7 to Friday, Oct. 11, benefiting LEADS Community Action Agency in Newark for Licking Heights and Storehouse for Jesus for Southwest Licking. Licking Heights will also collect cans for the district’s in-house food pantry supporting students in need.
The canned food drive is managed by the Interact Club at Licking Heights and student leaders at Watkins, and students preschool through 12th grade are encouraged to donate. This is one of the biggest collaborative events between Pataskala schools and the community each year.
Both districts will host a blood drive as part of a “Blood Battle” benefitting Versiti Blood Center of Ohio, too. Licking Heights will host their blood drive on Oct. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at Summit Station UMC, 6626 Summit Road SW. Donors can sign up online . Watkins will host their drive on Oct. 16 from noon to 5 p.m. at Pataskala UMC, 458 S. Main St. Donors can sign up online .
Regardless of who donors may support, they can give blood on either date and vote for their favorite team. Walk-ins are also welcome for community members who do not sign up in advance.
The annual Battle for Broad Street spaghetti dinner, benefiting student scholarships from the Pataskala Rotary Club, will be on Oct. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nutcracker Family Restaurant, 63 E. Broad St. Cheerleaders from both districts will serve diners, and meals are available to-go as well. Meals are $15 per person and $50 for a family of four, and include spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and butter, drinks and a dessert.
Finally, staff can get in on the competition this year by donating to the United Way of Licking County (UWLC). The UWLC Ambassadors at Watkins and Licking Heights will run their annual staff campaigns from Oct. 7 to Oct. 18 to see which district’s staff can raise the most for United Way funded partners across Licking County.
Staff members are encouraged to donate via online portals to directly support organizations benefiting their students, like the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, Action for Children, Behavioral Healthcare Partners and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
“Battle for Broad Street is so much more than a football rivalry — it is a chance for our students and staff to work together and impact the world around them. We have the opportunity to demonstrate citizenship and compassion to our students this year, and I am deeply proud to be a part of the festivities,” said Kevin S. Miller, Licking Heights superintendent.
“We could not make this happen without our outstanding community partners, and I am continually amazed and humbled by the kindness, generosity and support our community has for public education and our students,” Miller said. “Oh, and one more thing — go Hornets!”
Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking Heights, Watkins Memorial giving back to community before Battle for Broad Street
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