The West Prairie Press

By Guest Writer Sarah Leenerts

Back in January, area teachers and support staff met for a teachers’ institute day that focused on hope. From that professional development session, they learned that hope plays a pivotal role in students’ success and can have a lasting impact on their lives. One idea that really stuck with me was how volunteering can improve a person’s sense of hope long after a single volunteer event.

Students traveled to Argyle Lake State Park to volunteer as part of IDNR’s Earth Day in the Parks program. They helped spread mulch around the playground and visitor center, cleaned up outdoor areas, and worked together to improve spaces used by park visitors. The work gave students a chance to serve their community while spending time outdoors and learning more about the park.

That idea came back to me while I was sitting on the couch with my sick child and saw that IDNR Earth Day in the Parks was looking for volunteers. I reached out to administration and made the request to get the ball rolling. Principal Megan Pittman always makes me feel supported when I see an opportunity worth our time and want to take action.

So many students were interested that we ended up having to turn some away, which was unfortunate but also gave me a lot of hope. Making volunteer opportunities an “easy yes” can make a big impact on the world around us.

Freshman Ezra Bithos said the trip offered a welcome change of pace from the regular school day.

“Volunteering gave me the change of scenery I needed from being at school,” Bithos said.

Students also had to choose between going on the trip and staying at school to keep up with their work. One student who had signed up for the trip decided to stay behind and work on a project that came up, which showed a tremendous amount of maturity.

Our other chaperones were Adam Kerns and Logan Lommel. I cannot thank them enough for taking time out of their schedules to help.

Once we arrived at the park, we got right to work. Some of our students had never used a wheelbarrow or pitchfork before. It may sound silly, but tackling little hurdles like that helps them gain confidence as they grow into young adults.

Some students who are quieter in class became leaders outdoors. I had students who knew what needed to be done and communicated it directly. Ryan Yeoman found a small snake in the mulch pile and safely escorted the critter to the edge of the woods.

Yeoman said the unexpected snake encounter became one of the more memorable moments of the day.

“While we were spreading mulch, Mr. Lommel found a snake in the pile they had just brought over,” Yeoman said. “Some people started poking at it, so I walked over, picked it up, and moved it to a bush. I will say, I’m lucky to still be alive. That snake had to be at least three feet long, and it did fight back.”

We all felt a sense of pride working toward a common goal and seeing what our hands were capable of accomplishing.

We had a short wait before our bus came to pick us up, so Bridget Hinchee, the natural resources coordinator at Argyle, took us on a short hike. She showed us beaver stumps and wild ginger. We also learned about local history and geology, including what put the “coal” in Colchester. One student said the hike made him want to come back that same day after school for another hike.

Overall, we felt accomplished, and it was a great morale boost as we approached the end of the school year and the seriousness of finals. Bridget was a wonderful host, and we both agreed that this is something we hope will continue in future years.

Sophomore Tyson Churchill said the work was rewarding because students were able to see the results of their effort.

“It was hard work, but it was fun working as a team to make the playground and visitor center look nice again,” Churchill said. “I would definitely do it again because it was calming, and working hard pays off.”