This fall, the students at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis came together with a shared mission: to make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Through a spirited canned food drive competition, the Saints broke the school’s record, collecting nearly 4,200 canned goods to donate to two vital community organizations: the Light House Shelter and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.
The annual food drive has become a beloved tradition at St. Mary’s, blending school spirit with community service. Each grade level was tasked with bringing in canned goods and other nonperishable foods as part of a competition for spirit points. The atmosphere throughout the week was electric, with students arriving at school carrying bags and boxes of donations, eager to contribute not only to their class totals but also to the larger goal of serving those in need.
What made this year’s effort stand out was the remarkable enthusiasm from all grade levels. Although the seniors ultimately clinched the victory—continuing their streak of success in Spirit Week events—the freshmen made an especially strong showing, surprising many with their determination and generosity. Their effort was a reminder that servant leadership can come from every corner of the student body.
By the end of the drive, the combined effort had filled hundreds of bags and boxes, all of which will directly support individuals and families struggling with food insecurity in Anne Arundel County. The Light House Shelter and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank both serve as critical lifelines, providing meals, groceries, and hope to community members experiencing hardship. This record-breaking donation from St. Mary’s students will help sustain those missions during the upcoming month with Anne Arundel County Food Bank reporting their share of donations weighed 2,300 pounds!
Ellen Smith, Co-moderator of the Council on Students Affairs (COSA), who helped spearhead this year’s mission, summed it up perfectly, “Our students proved that when we come together with purpose, amazing things happen. Their unity and dedication throughout this project reflect what it truly means to be a Saint!”
Beyond the impressive numbers, what truly shone through was the heart behind the effort. Students didn’t simply see the drive as a competition; they embraced it as an opportunity to live out the values of service and compassion that define the St. Mary’s community. Teachers and administrators praised the students’ commitment, noting how the friendly competition fueled school spirit while also meeting a genuine need in the community.
“These are the moments that make it all worthwhile,” remarked Dr. Melissa Nisbett, Principal at St. Mary’s High School. “To see our students live out our faith, while still having fun and contributing to the community, is immensely rewarding. The Seniors used collaboration to ‘win’ the contest and every grade level brought spirited participation to keep the pressure on everyone.”
For the students, the event was both fun and fulfilling. Many shared how rewarding it felt to know their efforts would directly help families facing hunger. The experience fostered unity across grades, reminding everyone that when the community comes together with servant hearts, great things happen.
Mr. Matthew Martelli, COSA’s other co-moderator said, “Events like this not only make me proud of our students but also make me proud to be a Saint.”
St. Mary’s High School is proud of its students for showing up in such a big way. Their generosity and competitive spirit not only set a new record for donations but also demonstrated the true essence of what it means to be a Saint: to serve others with joy and humility.
About St. Mary’s High School: Set in downtown Annapolis, St. Mary’s has one of the city’s most architecturally striking learning environments, with labs and classrooms adjacent to Spa Creek, an inlet of the Severn River. We value faith, tradition, and excellence in our programs, curriculum, and community. That is why 100% of our graduates are accepted into colleges and universities throughout the country, earning more than $12 million in scholarships.
