MIDDLETON, Wis. -- It's hats off to the class of 2009 and Middleton High School -- just one of many schools across the area holding graduation ceremonies.

But Middleton seniors there are getting a special salute. Their class project ended with a challenge: To change the world by giving back to those in need.

Together, the students raised more than $40,000 for Middleton Outreach Ministry to help fund the food pantry, housing assistance and emergency aid programs.

"If we're serious about what the Change the World Challenge was all about then we can never stop fighting," said Middleton senior Steven Ticknor. "The campaign may end today, along with a period in our lives, but the spirit will not."

The Middleton-Cross Plains School District said 10 percent of its high school students live in poverty and some students are homeless.