The BCMS Helping Hands Club participated in the 2025 Kids CAN Build competition on Dec. 8 at Crossgates Mall, an annual event hosted by the Shalom Food Pantry that challenges students to give back through creativity and teamwork.
Kids CAN Build is a friendly competition that challenges middle school students to design and build large structures using only donated nonperishable food items. This year’s theme, “Landmarks,” encouraged students to reimagine famous landmarks as symbols of strength, resilience, and community.
The club selected the Colosseum as its landmark, building the iconic structure using 685 donated cans and pairing it with a storyboard starring BC mascot, Eddie the Eagle. With guidance from advisors Cara Qualia and Cyrilla Peluso, students collaborated on the design and storytelling elements of the project. The group earned the award for Most Creative Interpretation of the Theme.
“I am incredibly proud of our students,” said club advisor Cara Qualia. “This event requires a high level of teamwork, creativity, and dedication, and their efforts over the past several months reflect a genuine commitment to serving our community. Their hard work is making a meaningful difference.”
Students spent several weeks collecting canned foods, researching the history and symbolism of the Colosseum, planning their design, and practicing the build to ensure stability and visual impact.
“My favorite part about this experience is the building process and hearing everyone’s ideas,” said eighth-grader Audrey Welsh.
Seeing the finished structure come together was especially rewarding for many students.
“It was really cool to see the final product,” said seventh-grader Ellie Levin.
Students also emphasized that the project’s impact extended beyond the competition itself.
“I really liked being able to see what our project did to help people,” said eighth-grader Maggie Driggs. “In the end, it’s not about the award. It’s about feeding the people that need it,” added seventh-grader Brynn Babic.
Teamwork and school spirit played a key role throughout the build.
“It was really fun. I liked the teamwork, I liked the structure, and I like how we always include Eddie the Eagle,” said seventh-grader Elisheva Kassel.
The completed Colosseum is on display at Crossgates Mall, where shoppers can view the build and learn more about the mission of Kids CAN Build. Food used in the competition will be donated to local food pantries.
Well done and congratulations to the BCMS Helping Hands Club!
Members:
Audrey Welsh
Christian DePuccio
Elisheva Kassel
Amelia Welsh
Madelyn Pryba
Anna Perazzelli
Dean Cozzy
Brynn Babic
Davin Faye
Luke Vande Bunte
Maia Larson
Margaret Driggs
Emma Fuller
Riley Laning
Ellie Levin
Emily Rancourt
And, club advisors:
Cara Qualia, Grade 6 Social Studies
Cyrilla Peluso, Student Assistance Counselor