Due to the coronavirus and the regulations from the government, Beta and National Honor Society volunteer/service hours that are due for the spring will be exempt. Students were told they would not be penalized for not doing these hours. However, this did not stop many of our TCCHS student from performing many service projects from home.
Students have thought outside the box after being told that safety and their health was our #1 priority during this corona scare. Students have been sending their sponsor sheets with their service hours documented. Students have helped around their homes, tutored younger students on NTI work, kept in touch over the phone with elderly relatives and friends and made cards for the nursing home residents. Some even designed book recommendations for the library to send to other students. The goal of the sponsors this year was to promote service in such a way that it would become second nature for our students.
Mimi Sears, a junior, has helped her grandmother to make facial masks for those who need them. She explains, "Getting to spend time with my great grandmother has been a blessing. Not everyone is getting to see their family during this time. And knowing that I'm helping the people who are helping others, makes me feel good. I also know how Jesus would want us to be helping others during this time too."
MacKenzie Fisher, senior, decided to help decorate eggs for the drive by Easter egg hunt in Guthrie. Mackenzie decorated a number of paper eggs and decorated her street to allow children to enjoy 'finding' them in this alternate activity in Guthrie. When asked, MacKenzie said, " I happily did this activity because it can bring hope and joy when we are feeling a little bleak."
Beta Sponsor Lisa Petrie is more than thrilled to receive these service project results. "Even though the kids knew these were not mandatory, they have continued to send in service. It has really lifted my spirits during a crazy times to see kids want to serve our community even if they did not have to. I wanted them to stay home and healthy and they found ways to still serve the community. I am so proud of our students."
When asking our seniors about the requirement of service during their high school career, answers were positive. Maggie Gillum explained, "Service has allowed me to grow and build relationships with the community but most importantly it gave me lasting friendships. To me, service is great part of high school for more than just the obvious reasons. It creates memories."