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Red Raiders participate in community cleanup

Meyersdale Area School District ›  |  Posted on

Students, from FBLA, National Honor Society and Meyersdale High School Student Council, spent Friday, April 22 helping local businesses and organizations prepare for the 75th Annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival. These organizations participate in Community Clean-Up Days. The following students are pictured: (front row, from left) Gavin Topper, Bradin Schrock, Trevor Donaldson, Devin Donica, Lydia Renzi, Malia Sines, Kyley Emerick, Connor Grasser, Bailey Knotts and Tiani Christner; (middle row) Lillian Clark, Laura Boyce, Avery Logsdon, Laurel Daniels, Kylie Sipple, Melanie Riether, Mahaley Knopsnyder, Allyson Gray, Jaden Miller and Jaylynn Anderson; and (back row) Faith Bittner, Amber Long, Jessica Daughton, Bryson Hetz, Ryan Sechler, Jozie Booher, Haley Miller, Trinity Christner, Halley Riggleman.

Each year, students from Meyersdale Area High School volunteer their time and efforts to improve the “Maple City” in two Community Clean-Up events. These events are held in the fall and spring. The spring event coincides with preparations for the Pennsylvania Maple Festival. More than 50 students from three organizations, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Student Council and National Honor Society, spent April 22 cleaning at local businesses and public spaces to help get the “Maple City” ready for guests for the PA Maple Festival.

Chris Custer, FBLA Advisor, said this is a favorite event for students, advisors and community leaders. These clean-up days provide an important link between the school district and the community, while instilling a sense of community pride in students. “This is important because it is a time for our students to give back to a community who has supported school wide activities. These club members have the opportunity to get to know our community businesses while understanding the feeling of a sense of purpose. They work hard; but they enjoy doing this volunteer activity,” she explained. “I usually have a few members come ask me what date the community cleanup will be because they look forward to it.”

Patti Shaulis, Student Council Advisor, the feedback from area businesses and organizations is always positive and appreciative of the work completed by the students. “It is very important to the town, because it helps clean up the town and helps all the businesses and our Borough. Sometimes we even get to help the elderly,” Shaulis explained. “It is important that the students get a sense of community and volunteerism.”