Sunset Elementary School’s box tops challenge ends with plenty of grins

CRAIG — Local law enforcement were out in force at a Craig elementary schools the days before Christmas break.

Officers were called about lunchtime Dec. 19 to investigate reports that Sunset Elementary School kindergartners had just won the box top challenge and were preparing for some un-criminal mischief.

Sunset Principal Jill Hafey and her staff had challenged students and parents to collect box tops from their favorite foods and supplies.

Craig Police Department school resource officers and a CPD investigator, a Moffat County deputy, and a few state troopers headed to the school to eat hot dogs, and cookies before chasing down kindergartners during a game of Sharks and Minnows.

The young students showed off some evasive maneuvers while running circles around the officers in a wild game of Duck, Duck, Goose.

The food and fun were rewards for winning the box top challenge. The kindergarten classes turned in 1,163 box tops, each worth 10 cents. When all box tops were gathered, almost 2,200 had been collected to raise about $220.

“We love involving our community in events at Sunset and would like to thank all the officers,” Hafey said. “Thank you, also, to the students, parents, and family members that helped clip box tops. Our next challenge begins after the Winter Break.”

Representing Craig Police Department were School Resource Officer Nate Businger, SRO Ryan Fritz, and Investigator Norm Rimmer. Moffat County Sheriff’s Office was represented by Deputy Ryan Hampton. Representing Colorado State Patrol were Master Sgt. Kirk Gardner, Trooper Andy Bogue, Cpl. Tom Dietrich, and Trooper Chris Lorio.