By Olga M. Martinez - Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
The "can castle" built by Lourdes Academy's sophomore class delivered a powerful message of solidarity to Paris after the terrorist attacks.
MIAMI | Students from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy participated in the Can Castles Competition Nov. 19, in an effort to collect cans for the school’s annual Thanksgiving outreach project.
As part of the competition, students from each grade are to build a “castle” (or structure) out of the collected cans and represent the theme of their choice. The “castles” are evaluated on various criteria, including number of cans and creativity. The sophomore and freshman “castles” tied for first place. Seniors came in third place, followed by the juniors in fourth.
Students begin building the structure at 6 a.m., on the day of the competition and must complete their "castle" by 7:20 a.m.
This year, the "can castles," which typically represent each individual class’ color and spirit, overall, were inspired by pressing world issues. The sophomore "castle," in particular, delivered a powerful message of solidarity to Paris after the attacks that took place Nov. 13. The senior "castle" represented the students’ desire to end world hunger.
In total, the students collected 4,700 cans, which will be distributed to more than 500 families in the following communities: San Juan Bosco, St. Mary Cathedral School, Notre Dame Day Care Center, Auburndale Elementary, Church World Services, and various soup kitchens throughout Miami-Dade County.
Can Castles is one of the many activities planned by the school’s Student Council, intended to promote school spirit, build camaraderie among the classes and serve the community at large.
