As the school year comes to an end, students and staff at Geneseo High School took a break from their regular routines and dedicated a morning to the local community.
On May 12, the entire GHS student body participated in a variety of projects, both on and off campus, that were designed to assist, enhance and improve the areas in which they worked.
Students were provided with a list of opportunities and given the ability to select how they wanted to participate.
“It was a great day and a very valuable experience for the students,” notes Brooke Emmerson, Assistant Principal at Geneseo High School. “Not only were they able to give back to the community, but they also learned about different organizations in town and the ways they can make a positive contribution.”
Cleaning up around the high school was a common theme, with groups dedicated to areas including Bob Reade Field—moving track equipment into storage with graduation this weekend—the greenhouse, classrooms, the shop, and a kitchen space dedicated to family and consumer science. There was also an art project that took place in the cafeteria.
“We had a great turnout at the high school for those students that stayed on campus,” states Jeremy Mosier, Assistant Principal at Geneseo High School. “Students were able to assist our track and field teams with moving equipment, organizing the equipment in the GFAC, and helping teachers that needed assistance in their classrooms. The tug of war event brought a lot of enthusiasm and the kids had fun competing.”
Other students and staff ventured off campus, where they visited the aquatic center at the Community Center, baseball and softball fields at Stone Field and Edwards Field, respectively, and Inspire Continuing Care.
Emmerson accompanied a group to Atkinson’s Rebuilding Together, where students learned about the organization and how it serves Henry County, as well as some of the medical equipment patients rely on. They then worked to assemble much-needed wheelchair ramps.
“It was definitely a morning well spent,” says Emmerson. “Giving the students a chance to choose the project they worked on made them even more engaged and motivated. It was an educational experience for all, and the students’ efforts made a real difference. We can all feel good about that.”
