The Rolla High School leadership class is hosting a pie eating contest on Monday, December 19, to benefit students who receive assistance through the Friday Backpack Program.

Under the direction of senior Lauren Smith, juniors Alex Goff and Ryan Fowler, and teacher Mary Gillis, the goal of the competition is to pack a holiday meal for 25 Rolla Public School students who are enrolled in the program.  Through a cooperative effort with Rolla’s Country Mart, each meal will consist of a ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, bread, and a dessert.  Each meal is being put together for $10.

Students and teachers who signed up to participate in the pie eating contest paid an entry fee of $10 to provide a meal for one student.

Kent’s Jewelry donated a trophy and A Slice of Pie donated one whole pie for the winner of the contest.  The competition pies, which are made of pudding and whipped cream, were purchased through funds provided by a grant through the Champions of Rolla Education.

The Friday backpack program’s mission is to feed children who otherwise might not get to eat over the weekend.  Each student who is enrolled in the program gets a backpack full of food to help them to sustain over the weekends.  There are currently 382 Rolla Public School students who receive food through this program.

The Friday backpack program is funded primarily through donations to the non-profit organization Hope Alliance of Missouri.  Those interested in becoming involved in the program through donations should contact Faith Barnes at 573-368-8001.

To make a donation to the leadership class mission, please contact Mary Gillis at 458-0140 ext. 14302 or via e-mail [email protected]