We’re pleased that Great Bend USD 428 and the National Honor Society students at Great Bend High School have revived the Community Service Day tradition. The last one was in 2019 before COVID.
That year, the “seventh annual” Community Service Day, students worked on various projects that included everything from painting, sorting, picking up trash, to clearing flower beds. They helped on public and private property, or were given something to do at the school.
On April 22, 900 students and teachers will be giving back to the community, investing some sweat equity into the place they call home. Sponsors said their hope is that Community Service Day will have a positive impact on all students by allowing them to gain real-world experience, meet genuine community needs, gain new skills, build connections, enhance personal growth, and have fun!
NHS sponsor Luke Maneth told the school board, “This can be a positive experience that brings our students together.”
To which school board member Karen Linberg added, “It’s also a way for the community to see how many great kids we have.”
As community journalists, we constantly see shining examples among our young people. Whether it is sports or spelling bees, speech and debate, music or theater, we see eager faces and emerging talent at all of the public and private schools. Students are usually invited to participate when the USD 428 board of education visits their schools.
Just a reminder, the public can get involved in Community Service Day by suggesting/requesting a project or by making a donation that will help pay for supplies, such as rakes and gloves. What’s left over after expenses are covered will go to United Way of Central Kansas. Our students truly are giving back and setting a good example for all of us.
Checks can be made payable to Great Bend High School, with “National Honor Society” in the memo, and mailed to Great Bend High School, attention: Luke Maneth, 2027 Morton St., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Susan Thacker is the editor of the Great Bend Tribune. Send comments to sthacker@gbtribune.com.
