In March 2014, Wiscasset High School won the Channel 13 News "School Spirit Challenge," collecting 58,662 pounds of food which benefited The Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine.

This year the school, now called Wiscasset Middle High School, is at it again, and hoping to raise double that.

“I think we'd need to raise over 100,000 pounds, at least double what we did two years ago, to win,” said sophomore Vanessa Dunn. “We have until close to the end of February to do it; I think we can.”

On January 19, WGME news anchor Jeff Peterson came to WMHS to talk to members of the student council about the challenge.

“(Student Council Adviser Deb) Pooler has done a lot of work with the local businesses on this,” student council President Daren Wood said. “There are a lot of kids here a project like this hits home for, who don't come from rich families and worry about food.”

“Helping people out and raising the food for Good Shepherd is what it's really about,” Sam Hefler said. “Winning would just be a bonus.”

So far students have raised money and food through a bake sale, a dance, and 50/50 raffles during home sports games. They are also doing a competition between the grades to see who can raise the most food. On Friday, Jan. 22, the students will have their School Spirit Challenge Pep Rally from 6 to 8 a.m., a chance to show their school pride and be on TV.

“My favorite part of the pep rally we did two years ago was everyone dancing in the middle of the gym, the whole town it seemed,” said junior Aiden Carlson.

“The stakes are higher this year, because every year the winning school raises more,” sophomore Corey Campbell said.

“We decided to do it again because it brings the school and community together,” Dunn said. “And Mrs. Pooler loves doing stuff like this too.”