Tag Archives: community service

Live Blogging, McKenna Click

A Week in Guatemala: live blogging from McKenna Click

Leave a comment

By McKenna Click

Editor’s Note: For the extent of Spring Break, the Bagpiper will be having photographer McKenna Click reporting on her experiences in Guatemala. Click will be updating on the events of Northside Christian Church’s youth mission trip to build houses in Guatemala.

It is currently 1:56 in the afternoon and I am preparing to leave on my first out of country mission trip. I am attending a mission trip to Guatemala with Northside Christian Church.  I am not the only FC student that is attending this mission trip.  In fact, on my flight (there are three flight groups) some familiar faces include; junior Baylie Burd, senior Kim Foster, junior Deja Jones, sophomore Kristina Foster, sophomore Austen Jones, and junior Trevor Smith.

This morning we were required to be at the airport no later than 12:40.  Once at the Louisville International Airport we formed a circle, prayed, then got checked in and made our way through security.

Right now we are currently waiting to board our first flight (we are the last group to leave) to Miami.  From Miami we  will fly to Guatemala, with a little over a two hour lay over in Miami.  Overall, the feeling here at the airport is that we are ready to fly already (as demonstrated by the amount of candy being thrown at other people right now.)

For now that is all I am going to write (it is a little hard to write when candy is being thrown at you) but I will check in later.

photo[1]
Southern Indiana students laugh and enjoy themselves as they wait for their flight to Guatemala to serve people there. Photo by McKenna Click.
Lexi Burch, News

Columnist gets involved in community

Leave a comment

By Lexi Burch

The sounds of loud barking and faint meows fill the air, but it isn’t the sound of a noisy animal shelter, but the sound of citizenship. Getting into community service may not be a high priority but it is far from that. Community service is something very fulfilling and rewarding.

I have been volunteering at the Floyd County Animal Shelter for a couple months now and it is something I am very proud of. Getting involved in the community is a great way to learn commitment and be involved in something outside of school.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in community service; the local animal shelter, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, park departments, and many others. A few hours a week or even a month can really make a difference.

Commmunity service can open many doors such as the door to colleges. Community involvement and can be the difference in being accepted or not. Community service shows colleges that you like to get involved, have very good leadership skills and can manage time wisely.

If you are unsure where you want to get involved  you can get online or visit your local town hall for volunteer listing. You never know you may find something you love.

Writer’s note: For more information about the Floyd County Animal shelter. Pick up a December issue of the Bagpiper. There is orientation the last Thursday of every month. The shelter is open Mon-Fri 11am-5pm and Sat 11am-2pm. The shelter also accepts donations.

Christian DiMartino, Features

Holiday season offers students opportunities to give back

Leave a comment

By Christian DiMartino

During the holiday season, people can be more caring, and more willing to help others in need. What better way for people to show their holiday spirit than through community service? It is more common for people to volunteer more during the holiday season than any other time in the year.

“Community service is a way to give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said junior Savannah Wormley. Wormley is president of the French Club, which sends students to ring bells for the Salvation Army.

There are plenty of ways to give back to others. On Dec. 4, 5, and 6, French Club will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Kroger. “French Club is good because it gives you an opportunity to do community service,” said Wormley.

“I think it [community service] is building an awareness of the world around you,” said French teacher Shannon Miller. “It’s important to teach kids that they are part of a community. It reminds me of how much we have here in America, and what we need to be grateful for. We need to pass it on.”

Aside from the help students will give, counselor Mark Clark said the students will get just as much back. “The people that you help, you impact their lives in a positive way. You get the opportunity to help others, but also to see the community and world in a different perspective,” said Clark.

French Club will not be the only group joining in on community service this holiday season. Many students and faculty members also participate in Miles for Merry Miracles, a three-weekend event on Saturday Dec. 1, 8, and 15.

Many students are involved in this organization, which works all year long to provide Christmas presents to underprivileged kids.

“My friends got me into it, and now I’m hooked. The experience has been awesome,” said junior Noah Wright.

Though a ton of effort goes into the project, students said the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.

“It’s easy to be blinded by all the work, but seeing all your effort come together makes it all worth it,” said junior Ryan Plunkett.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, students realize it is a vital part of being in a community.

“Sharing kindness through community service could help make the world so much more positive. If we all just helped out one person, then the world would be such a more positive place,” said Wormley.