SSMS students pay it forward

Two South Side Middle School students spearheaded a food drive contest sponsored by 92.3 FM radio. The school that collected the most amount of canned foods would win a school concert by the young heartthrob, Justin Bieber.

Seventh graders Lara O’Rourke and Megan Turner eagerly orchestrated the food drive. They hung posters, made announcements to encourage their fellow students to bring in canned goods that would be donated and each morning and afternoon, the girls collected cans in the front lobby of the school. They also collected donations at the Associated grocery store on Long Beach Road. All together, Megan and Lara collected 1,700 pounds of canned goods. Although students at Long Beach Middle School eventually won the contest, South Side Middle School students really helped to “Pay It Forward” and help those less fortunate.