Ahead of Super Bowl LI — where the New England Patriots will face the Atlanta Falcons in Texas — Potter Elementary students celebrated their own victory.

For the past month, the school has collected non-perishable items for the Dartmouth Council on Aging food pantry. While the Souper Bowl food drive is an annual event, this year students broke the collection record.

"Some years, the Pats aren't in [the Super Bowl]. Those years, we don't get as many cans," said Principal Heidi Silva Brooks. In total, she counted 2,310 donated items.

Brooks said teachers encouraged participation by offering homework passes for so many items, and building up friendly competitions. Students designed signs and hats, and wore their Pats jerseys to simultaneously cheer on their home team.

The school participates in a community service project every month, said Brooks. Previous projects included a sock collection for the homeless, and Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. Brooks is still working out details for the March service project.

Potter Elementary students celebrate the victory of their Souper Bowl can drive on February 3, ahead of Super Bowl LI.

Potter Elementary students cheer on the New England Patriots while counting the sum of their Souper Bowl can drive on February 3.