The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
High school students provide day of community service
Wellington High School students took a break from their classrooms May 14 to provide some outdoor help in the village of Wellington for their annual Community Service Day.
“Students will be in various areas throughout Wellington painting, providing lawn care, running a car wash, gardening and any other tasks that might be requested,” said Tina Drake, principal at Wellington High. “Areas like Findley State Park, the school’s field house, the county (Lorain County) Fairgrounds and Westwood Elementary School are all areas that will be attended to.”
Students were at 43 different locations, including residential areas, Drake said.
The school has participated in the annual Community Service Day since 2011.
“It’s something that has grown as we continue to do it,” Drake said. “I call around to see if anyone would like some yard work done, or if they need something painted outside.
“Some folks have been requesting the students for the past few years in a row.”
Drake said the students do a good job performing the work.
“People in the community feel the students do a fantastic job,” she said. “Some people, especially if it’s their first time asking for the students, don’t give them enough work to do.
“They are surprised by how fast and efficiently the students are able to get the job done. If they finish a task at one place, they just move onto the next one.
“We start at 9:30 a.m., and the students go all day. We then close things out with some ice cream afterwards.”
Drake said the day gives students the opportunity to serve their community.
“It shows them what they can do to make a difference,” she said. “It’s a selfless attitude, and a willingness to help others, that we want our students to exhibit.
“The students really put their hearts into it and have a great time fixing up their community.”
Karalyn Mitchell, 14, a freshman at Wellington High, was spreading mulch in front of Wellington Town Hall,115 Willard Memorial Square.
“It’s good to get out of class and help out,” Karalyn said. “I’m spreading mulch around and will be pulling weeds later; it feels good to give back.”
John Peterson, 16, a sophomore at Wellington High, also was at the Town Hall moving mulch around.
“I take the mulch off the truck and move it to different flower beds with a wheelbarrow,” John said. “It’s feels good to come out here and help the community with stuff it needs. I’m glad to be a part of it.”