Oklahoma student uses KFC bucket to take chick home, school starts new tradition

First and second graders at Hartshorne Elementary School just wrapped up a unique enrichment project—hatching chicks in the classroom. But it wasn’t just the life science lesson that stole the show.

On Thursday, May 1, the school hosted its annual “Take Home Your Chick” Day. One student, Lakelyn Morrow, arrived with a bucket that had everyone talking.

A Lesson in Life Science

Over the past several weeks, Hartshorne Elementary has been incorporating hands-on enrichment projects into its curriculum. For the younger students, that meant incubators and fertilized eggs in the classroom.

Teachers say the students learned about the entire chicken life cycle—from embryo to hatchling—while also taking on the responsibility of caring for newborn chicks.

The Chicken Bucket Surprise

But the biggest moment came when Morrow showed up with her chick transportation device: a red-and-white KFC bucket.

“It's the perfect box. It has a lid, and 4 small half-circle holes when placed on the bucket,” said her teacher. The moment sparked laughter across the classroom, with staff and students alike enjoying the irony.

A Running Joke Turns Tradition

Throughout the project, students often chatted about their favorite places to eat chicken. Teachers say Kentucky Fried Chicken was the unanimous winner.

The moment was captured on video and shared by school staff. “We hope this becomes a tradition,” said Staci Curliss, the school’s reading and literacy coach.

A Heartwarming End to a Learning Experience

The project was more than just fun—it gave students a hands-on introduction to biology and responsibility. But thanks to Morrow’s KFC bucket, it also delivered a moment of humor and heart.

Hartshorne Elementary hopes to keep the KFC bucket tradition going for future “Take Home Your Chick” Days.