Hutchison Beach Elementary holds celebration carnival for Lucky Puppy challenge winners

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Hutchinson Beach Elementary students are learning the feeling of giving back and the power of making a difference in their community.

At the beginning of the year, students were divided into houses. Then each house was assigned to raise donated supplies for the lucky puppy rescue.

The non-profit organization in Bonifay helps save neglected or abandoned dogs across the Panhandle.

The team to raise the most donations gets a celebration carnival.

“It’s definitely a friendly competition, but they were so excited. But what was even more amazing was the students that weren’t in the house that won we’re still excited for the ones that did,” Former Assistant Principal Kayla Shepard said.

Once all the blankets, dog food, toys, and treats were counted, the winning house grabbed their tickets and headed to the carnival Friday.

Kids snacked on popcorn, cotton candy, and cupcakes played cornhole or Jenga, tossed hula hoops onto pumpkins and some competed in a sack race. While enjoying their reward, students learn the importance of giving back to the community.

“As they grow and as they become adults and leaders in the community they learn what organizations are in the community and what they can do to help others,” Shepard said.

They also learned about teamwork. From kindergarten through fifth grade, it was a group effort and students say it was rewarding to help their team.

“All the kids in the school tried hard and the team that tried the hardest got the most for the shelter and I’m happy to be a part of this team,” 5th grade student Illia Roskolii said.

The students are already planning their next service project for local heroes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.