Service project yields robust results

Students gather 30 pounds of trash and 5 pounds of recyclables during cleanup

When some Perry High School students recently embarked on a couple of kayak expeditions on the Grand River, they did more than just look at the scenery.

They also enhanced the appearance of the river’s banks in a section of Fairport Harbor by cleaning up a considerable amount of litter.

Seniors in the Perry Service Learning class recently conducted the project to remove trash that could pose a danger to plant and animal life found in the watershed. The Grand River has the greatest diversity of any Lake Erie tributary, according to Lake Metroparks.

In addition, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has designated the Grand River as a Wild and Scenic River because of its natural appearance and limited development along its banks, Lake Metroparks stated.

During two outings, Perry Service Learning students used

“I want people to know that it is far more important to clean the river more often.” — Kierra Setting, student

kayaks to access areas along the Grand River where litter had accumulated.

Perry Schools acquired those kayaks in 2019 with a federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant.

The students were accompanied during both trips by PSL teacher Mark Soeder and Tom deHaas, Ohio State University Extension — Lake County agricultural/natural resource educator.

Previously, deHaas worked as a science teacher at Perry Elementary School.

The students launched their kayaks at Grand River Landing and spruced up sides of the waterway heading until reaching the Fairport Harbor Yacht Club.

For some of the students, the project allowed them to make observations and reach conclusions that couldn’t be provided by simply reading class materials about environmental pollution.

Zoe Wiley said she was disappointed to see how much litter had been discarded along the river.

“It shows how little concern some locals have for our environment’s health,” she said.

Meanwhile, classmate Kierra Setting said the experience convinced her about the ongoing need to remove trash from the waterway’s banks.

“I want people to know that it is far more important to clean the river more often,” she said.

Fellow student Emma Webb expressed concerns about how littering can harm animals that roam near the river.

“Many animals hang around the river and if one of them gets into the trash, they could potentially catch a disease,” she said.

“Little do we know, that disease can come right back to us,” she said.

Altogether, during the two missions, PSL students collected nine bags of trash containing more than 30 pounds of litter and debris.

They also gathered more than 5 pounds of aluminum and plastic, which were recycled.

Perry Service Learning is an elective for seniors at Perry High School that combines English and social studies with volunteer opportunities to promote social involvement through education and service.

SUBMITTED Perry Service Learning students Emma Webb, left, and Liz Musilek kayak down the Grand River during a class project.