Auburn Wins the Can War: Newton Elementary Turns Rivalry Into a Demonstration of Generosity of Spirit
By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
Newton Elementary School turned friendly rivalry into real community impact this week as students packed the gym for an Alabama vs. Auburn–themed canned food drive pep rally—an event that proved just as spirited as any Iron Bowl Saturday.
Led by the Student Government Association, the school collected an impressive 1,170 canned goods to support families in need across the community. Cheers, chants, and plenty of school pride filled the room as students awaited the final tally.
When the numbers came in, it was Auburn that claimed bragging rights, bringing in the most cans and securing the victory in this year’s cross-state showdown.
The competition inside the classrooms was just as intense.
Classroom winners included:
1st Place: Mrs. Harris’s class with a whopping 321 cans — earning a well-deserved donut party.
2nd Place: Miss Goode’s class with 271 cans.
3rd Place: Mrs. Brackett’s class with 163 cans.
Mrs. Harris’s class received a special boost thanks to student Emery Offutt and Emery’s Kindness Adventure, whose efforts helped push the class to the top.
And with Auburn’s overall win came the moment everyone was waiting for: Principal Mr. Andrews being transformed into a human ice cream sundae. In classic school spirit fashion, speech therapy teacher, Ms. Angie Barefield, stepped in to join the fun, much to the delight of the students.
Newton Elementary staff thanked everyone who donated and participated in the food drive and shared a post reminding the community that while the rivalry is fun, the real victory is the generosity shown by students and families.
“This is what it’s all about,” the school shared. “Your kindness truly makes a difference.”
