To celebrate its successful involvement in the annual Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) Thanksgiving Baskets Program, Sandy Hook Elementary School held a culminating event in its gymnasium on November 22, the day before the district's Thanksgiving break.

Students were divided into teams, each had different grade levels, and each was represented by a different color. The five teams were green, purple, red, blue, and orange. Older and younger buddy classes worked together on the teams. Physical education teacher Jackie Lloyd organized the event.

The assembly was spirited, with music playing, students cheering each other on, and students holding handmade signs to support their color as teams took turns walking or dancing around the gymnasium.

As one team took its turn, the theme song for Star Wars began playing. Students stood up taller and marched in time to the song. As the students walked, displaying their colors and signs, judges took note of their spirit and sportsmanship.

Before the assembly came to a close, Sandy Hook School Principal Kathy Gombos announced the winning teams for different awards at the celebration. The blue team won for wearing the most of its color; the purple team won for collection the most items for the food drive, more than 600 items; the red team won for its sign designs; and the green and orange teams won for displaying the most sportsmanship throughout the assembly.

"You guys did an awesome job," said Ms Lloyd as she closed the assembly. "All the food we brought in is going to feed lots of people this holiday season."

The WIN Thanksgiving Basket Program supplies food to local families for the holiday season through Newtown Social Services. This year, Middle Gate Elementary School, Newtown Middle School, Reed Intermediate School, and Fraser Woods Montessori School also contributed to the effort. Newtown United Methodist Church and Grace Family Church of Newtown collected for the effort, as well, according to WIN.