Western Wayne Elementary School students gathered more than 6,000 food items during this year’s Canal Days junior king and queen contest.
Contestants delivered nonperishable food items to their school to be counted.
The male and female students who brought in the most items, Connor Munchel and Ellarose Wyles, were named the winners. Combined, Connor and Rosie gathered more than 3,000 food packages.
Cambridge City New Day Kiwanis will distribute the food in their annual Christmas baskets for Western Wayne residents in need.
The Kiwanis Club sponsors the junior king and queen contest.
WWES Principal Elizabeth Miller said she was very proud of students who participated in what was a very close race. She thanked those who donated food to help families.
To recognize their achievement, Connor and Ellarose rode in a convertible in the festival’s parade on Sunday, Sept. 7. They were escorted by WWS Superintendent Kelly Plank and Miller.
As a Kiwanis member, Miller began running the junior king/queen contest four years ago. Instead of candidates placing cans around town to collect money, Miller favored a food drive that she believed would benefit many more families. The collection has grown each year.
A version of this article appeared in the September 17 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.