August 17 was set aside as a “Day of Giving Back” to the community for Greene Early College students. Since the inception of GEC in 2006, volunteerism and a willingness to help out have always been integral parts of the school culture. The staff recognizes it as a valued life skill as it encourages students to engage in the community and contribute to its betterment.

The staff constantly encourages and makes the student aware of volunteer opportunities in the community and beyond. GEC has an established reputation of always willing to help and being involved that is known throughout the county. Thus, the school is often called upon to assist in events or programs.

However, the onslaught of COVID shut down most events and the usual community activities. So students needed to be reintroduced and re-energized to the community, its offerings, and how they can contribute to its success. It was also a day of educating students of the available resources such as at the Public Library, Wellness Center, Senior Center and others.

Following an end-of-year discussion, it was decided there was need to get GEC back on the track of volunteerism. Thus, math teacher, Heather Davis, spearheaded the efforts for a day devoted to giving back. Students and parents were introduced to the planned day of giving back at Open House on August 10. They were given the opportunity to select a site to volunteer at that time.

Thus, on August 17, the entire student body and staff fanned out over Greene County to begin a day of giving back. A staff member accompanied each group to the various sites

Forty students participated in the highway cleanup. This activity, as part of the DOT Adopt a Highway, Program, occurs four times a year on the 1.2-mile stretch of Middle School Road. This is the twelfth year GEC has been in the program. However, this cleanup was a bit sweeter, as Debra Dail, owner of Dail Catering on Middle School Road, invited the students to her business for lemonade and cookies. Middle School Road is very important to Mrs. Dail as her family’s residence, business and family farm operation are located there.

Ten students volunteered at Interfaith. They assisted in some cleanup and importantly in the packing and distributing food as it was one of the two days a month for food pick-up. Executive Director, Dianne Andrews, took the time to explain the program, funding sources, and how the program works. It was noted that Doug Stocks, who is with Interfaith, was heard saying, “those students can come back any day and help.”

Students also volunteered at the Senior Center, where they pruned the shrubbery and loaded the trimmings for disposal. But they also participated in a dementia/Alzheimer’s exercise. Using programmed headsets and gloved hands, they experienced the same confusion as a person diagnosed with dementia as they tried to perform everyday tasks. They also participated in other activities such as crafting and exercise with the senior citizens.

Groups were also dispatched to West Greene, Intermediate and Middle schools and Snow Hill Primary to assist teachers prepare their rooms for Open House on August 24 and Opening Day, August 28. In addition, students volunteered at the Public Library where they worked to assemble materials for the upcoming children’s programs. Also, students assisted at the Wellness Center by cleaning up from a previous function to ready the facility for the next event.

Not forgetting their fur friends, groups traveled to Bear Garden Cat Rescue and Greene County Animal Shelter. Students were instructed about the operations and the daily care of the animals as well as interacting with the animals.

Administration and staff considered the day successful and was validated as such as one group of students leaving Interfaith was heard asking, “When can we come back?” That was a true affirmation of the significance of the day spoken by a teenager. A special thank you to all agencies that allowed GEC students into your daily workplace.