Burlington students put service to the test

By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger

BURLINGTON — Students from Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School put their service to the test May 11, beautifying their campus and three area parishes.

Students in grades six through 12 spent the afternoon performing a variety of tasks. Grades 10-12 focused on Catholic churches in Burlington and West Burlington, cleaning the interior and performing yard work. Grades six through nine stayed on campus and cleaned the gym, the classrooms and picked up trash around the campus. “It was a great day and we got much accomplished in a short period of time,” said Nita Carlson, religion teacher and student council advisor.

The students were happy to be of assistance to the parishes and school. Eighth-grader Caden Lee said, “It’s nice to help out.” Junior Kaelyn Hoambrecker said, “I think we should help around the churches more.”

Carlson said she was excited to see the students take pride in their work. “They took some ownership for their school and their parish and interacted with some adults they don’t usually have the chance to interact with.”

The student council planned the service afternoon at the encouragement of its president, Zach Rashid. Carlson said, “Zach was very instrumental in getting this to happen. He corresponded with our principal, the priests, the parish staff, the athletic director, the mayor and many other people. He organized the council to bring water and tools for the yard work. Zach is very passionate about service and has orchestrated several projects this year as student council president.”

Carlson said she hopes the service day will become an annual event for the students. “I truly saw the Holy Spirit working in all of them.”
Sophomore Ty Russell said, “I think it’s good for our school to do this. It really helps out our community.”