High School Mascots Rally to Fight Hunger and Homelessness

SOME’s Trot for Hunger got a spirited boost this month as local high school mascots laced up for a friendly “Mascot Dash,” featured on NBC4 Washington. The segment, “High School Mascots Rally to Fight Hunger and Homelessness,” highlighted how schools across the region are teaming up to support SOME’s mission and build excitement for D.C.’s largest Thanksgiving Day 5K.

The field came alive with energy as mascots from Gonzaga College High School (Eagles), Bishop O’Connell High School (Knights), Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (Gators), DeMatha Catholic High School (Stags), Georgetown Visitation (Cubs), Sidwell Friends School (Foxes), Connelly School of the Holy Child (Tigers), Academy of the Holy Cross (Tartans), and SOME’s own Turkey Trot mascot  came together for Mascot Madness — a first-of-its-kind event uniting mascots from across the DMV.

Hosted by Coach Keith Urgo and the Gonzaga Eagles on Buchanan Field, the day blended big school spirit with even bigger heart. Huge thanks to Ben Hoffschneider and the incredible team at The Father McKenna Center for their hospitality and partnership — carrying forward Fr. Horace McKenna’s legacy of compassion and service right where SOME’s story began.

While the competition was all in good fun, the mission behind it was serious: reminding the community that every registration and donation to the Trot for Hunger helps SOME provide meals, housing, healthcare, and job training for neighbors experiencing poverty and homelessness in Washington, D.C.

NBC4’s coverage underscored the power of youth engagement — showing how school pride can turn into real impact. By bringing their energy, laughter, and mascot magic to the field, these students helped ensure that every step taken on Thanksgiving morning fuels change across our city — especially when we need it most.

Want to get in on the action? Register your school team or family today at trotforhunger.org and join us this Thanksgiving as we race to end hunger and homelessness in D.C.

 Watch the full NBC4 segment here.