Local teens and anyone willing to join them will be at Wiscasset High School pre-dawn, Friday, Jan. 31. Students and others will be trying to fill the gym with school pride, and food to give to Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston.

The rally and food collection from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. are part of the school’s participation in Portland television station WGME’s “Spirit Challenge.” Live reports from the school are planned during the station’s morning news.

Deb Pooler, WHS’ technology integrator assistant and student council adviser, has been closely involved with the school’s efforts to win the “Spirit Cup.” She said she has been hearing from many parents and alumni who plan to attend Friday’s event.

“And the students are very excited. A big majority are saying they’re going to be there,” she said.

“Anyone in the community is welcome,” Pooler added.

Enticements to the early morning event include free refreshments donated by Sarah’s Cafe and Dunkin Donuts, Pooler said. Look for a tug-of-war and other activities students have come up with, she said.

“The crowd is going to be entertained, for sure.”

Anyone unable to get to Friday’s rally can still donate to the food drive. Donations can be dropped off at the primary, middle and high schools; Wiscasset Ford, Ames True Value, and Shaw’s; and the Wiscasset Community Center.

The “Spirit Cup” goes to the school that raises the largest number of pounds of food through February 28. So far, Wiscasset High’s total stands at about 9,000 pounds, Pooler said. In addition to the running tally, a wild card could play into schools’ final totals: Donations to the food bank can be made online at https://donate.gsfb.org/donate. Pooler asked that “Wiscasset High School, WGME Spirit Challenge” go in the comment line so that the donations can count toward the school’s total.

Fundraisers and food collection events also continue. Teachers and students will be working at McDonald’s from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. February 6; a February 15 “Zumbathon” at the high school will benefit the drive; and the cause is one of two sharing in proceeds from a community supper during Winterfest at the Wiscasset Community Center on February 1.