By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
For the second time in three years, the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs took first place in the annual Peanut Butter Bowl.
Altogether, a total of 12,240 jars of peanut butter were collected in Copperas Cove. Copperas Cove outpaced second place Lee Volunteers by more than 7,000 jars, who collected 4,836 jars of peanut butter.
Coach Donald Buckram Jr. led the way again this year as the district, students, and community were on board with the campaign, which began with a pep rally at H-E-B Plus! in late August.
“This win means a lot to me and the city of Copperas Cove. Being the first school to win the Peanut Butter Bowl food drive twice, and now aiming for a third win in 2026, is a testament to the incredible impact a united community can make,” Buckram said of the win.
Student along with involvement were key in achieving the win, which benefits the community.
“It was cool to see the development of over 15 local businesses and every school in CCISD, from kindergarten through 12th grade, come together to collect more than 12,000 jars of peanut butter – which is nearly a third of the city’s population!” Buckram stated. “That number is more than just a stat, it represents real lives in our city being supported, including some of our own athletes that we coach.
“To see an entire city rally around a single cause shows that we truly live by the motto: ‘One Pack One Purpose.’ That powerful message, brought to us by our superintendent Dr. Hawkins, will continue to resonate throughout Copperas Cove as time goes on.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and we can’t wait for what is next!”
The nearby Killeen Chaparral High School Bobcats participated for the first time, finishing at number 18, and they collected 2,038 jars of peanut butter for their community.
This year, participating schools in Central and South Texas collected a total of 92,000 jars of peanut butter which will remain in the local communities.
In 2024, Copperas Cove collected a total of 10,674 jars of peanut butter. A total of 104 high schools collected 115,464 jars during last year’s campaign.
The collected jars for Copperas Cove will be distributed to the Baptist Benevolence and to My Father’s House Food Pantry, both of which help local community members in need.
Courtesy photo
Bulldawgs Head Coach and Athletic Director Rodney Southern, CCISD Superintendent Brent Hawkins, and Coach Donald Buckram Jr. show off the Peanut Butter Bowl trophy. Copperas Cove has won the Peanut Butter Bowl two out of three years.
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