Memorial Drive Elementary (MDE) students showed just how big their hearts are during this year’s Pet Food and Supply Drive.

Thanks to the generosity of families and staff, MDE collected more than 1,000 items for CAP Animal Shelter. Student Council members, along with friends and siblings, delivered the donations Friday afternoon and experienced a special visit at the shelter.

Led by Student Council and coordinated by Enrichment Specialist Sarah Veenhuyzen, students organized collection boxes in every classroom, promoted the drive in newsletters, created a front office pet photo collage and counted donations class by class at the end of the week.

Students invited peers and staff to share photos of their pets, helping build excitement and connection before the official collection began. On Friday, Student Council members gathered the boxes, tallied totals and prepared the donations for delivery.

Mrs. Ramirez’s first-grade class contributed 247 items, earning a celebratory classroom visit from Remi, the Memorial Village Police Department K-9.

Student Council members, along with friends and siblings, helped deliver the supplies to the shelter, where they saw firsthand how their efforts would support local animals.

Beyond the impressive numbers, the drive reflects Spring Branch ISD’s Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate.

“This experience helps students understand that even at a young age, they can make a meaningful difference,” said Veenhuyzen. “When students connect their actions to real needs in the community, it builds empathy, responsibility and a sense of purpose. That connection matters.”

Students demonstrated compassion through service, leadership through organization and teamwork, and responsibility by supporting a need in their community. At EVERY grade level, SBISD students are building the character, collaboration skills and civic mindset that prepare them for T-2-4 success.

The annual drive once again proved that when students lead with heart, the impact reaches far beyond campus walls. Way to lead, Ponies!

#SBISDProud