Krueger Middle School in Michigan City was notified earlier this month that it finished among the top schools in the nation in the 2020 PepsiCo Recycle Rally Challenge. Throughout the school year, KMS collected 194 tons of recycled goods. Krueger Middle School Environmental Science teacher Daisy Lee coordinated the effort. Students and families brought in items to be recycled and weighed for the challenge, which also expanded to the community as several businesses began recycling and hosting collection bins. Participating businesses included LaPorte Insurance Agency, the Elston YMCA, and Anytime Fitness.
With the help of the students, parents, teachers, and the community, Krueger finished 6th in the challenge and received a prize of $25,000.
Last school year, the school finished in 9th place in the competition and received $10,000. Funds were used for upgrades and repairs to the gym, athletic uniforms, and a variety of other needs.
This year, funds will be used for a variety of projects the school is identifying, including picnic tables for outdoor classrooms, new uniforms and equipment for additional athletic teams, and items to increase student engagement in school clubs and programs.