The winners of the annual turkey costume fundraiser were announced on November 26, with Robert Beal and Nicole Stadler taking home the honors. This fundraiser, organized by Student Council, successfully raised $527 to support the school’s new initiative, Tiendita WeGo, which provides necessities for students in need or facing emergencies.
The turkey costume event is an annual tradition where students and staff donate money to vote for teachers to don turkey costumes the day before Thanksgiving break. Teachers are selected for a bracket-style competition organized by the student council. This year, 16 teachers participated across two brackets, each featuring three rounds. Teachers are nominated with an effort to avoid repeat participants, ensuring more staff members have a chance to join the fun. Each round lasted two days, giving everyone ample time to contribute and support their chosen teacher.
The participating teachers included Beal, Krysta Schoenbeck, Jamie Gracia, Mitch McKenna, Molly Salerno, Charles Vokes, Chris Lukas, and Jeff Anderson in the first bracket, and Stadler, Jennifer Culbertson, John Chisholm, Brigid Clark, Dave Jennings, Malak Ahmad, Michael Princer, and Dan Greco in the second bracket. Ultimately, Beal and Stadler emerged victorious, embracing the turkey spirit.
The funds raised will go toward Tiendita WeGo, the school’s newly established resource center located on the third floor. Tiendita WeGo was created by the school’s social workers to address the increasing need for clothing among students. Many of these students face significant challenges, such as being new to the country, experiencing homelessness, or encountering emergencies like last year’s apartment fire that displaced numerous families overnight.
Since its inception, Tiendita WeGo has supported over 40 students. The funds from the turkey costume fundraiser will help replenish supplies, ensuring that students in need can access essential clothing and other resources during difficult times. This initiative highlights the community’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members.
Student Council raised funds by visiting classrooms with decorated jars to collect donations. One council member, junior Mason Ostapa, alone collected approximately $120 of the total amount raised.
Beal, a veteran of the turkey fundraiser, has won multiple times since his first year teaching at the school.
“I joined the event in the sense that I did not withdraw from it, and I’m fine with that,” Beal said. “I’ve been the turkey before, but it’s been a while, and I thought I was safe.”
After an incident where his frequent nominations significantly narrowed the pool of participating teachers, new rules were introduced to prevent repeated scenarios. The bracket system allowed for a more equitable race, and allowed teachers like Stadler to advance.
“This is my first win. Maybe there will be more in the future,” Stadler said. “This outfit is currently giving thankful, and I’m happy to be a part of the festivities.”
Stadler fully embraced the role, showcasing her enthusiasm even before arriving at school.
“I think Mrs. Stadler embraced it. She was in the turkey suit driving to school today. That’s how excited she was,” Candace Fikis, an advisor for the Student Council, said.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the event, Fikis added, “I think people will laugh having the teachers kind of walking around in their turkey suits, but I think most importantly is going to be the takeaway that we’re donating to the community.”
