Forget textbooks and tests, our school is knee-deep in service for the community. On Wednesday, September 24, students set out on a mission to give back and help out different organizations with some extra hands on deck. The school hit 30 sites in the area, varying from elementary schools to Equest, a horse riding center for people with disabilities. 

This year’s Serve-A-Thon had a different purpose than past years. The fundraising component was replaced with an attendance element. In a letter President Deja sent out to parents, he said, “This shift allows Serve-A-Thon to flourish purely as an altruistic endeavor.” With fewer requests for donations from our CC community, we are able to be focused on the service we do instead of the money. 

Many may remember that with the donations, we had a goal to reach in order to achieve an incentive day off of school. This year to earn the day, we needed 95 percent attendance of our students on Wednesday. Deacon Rybicki said, “We had 97.1 percent, which is only 15 students absent. That’s more kids in school than on a normal day!” All the students stepped up and showed up to represent our school in service. 

The school did many tasks to help out, like washing cars, making dog biscuits, packing lunches and gardening. Maja Phillips ‘28 said, “Doing work for the community makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself.” Many of the students would agree with her that the work students did reached the entire city. 

With Serve-A-Thon a complete success in many ways, students are looking forward to class retreats as the next event. The administration and staff have been doing a fantastic job with planning and organizing these, so remember to thank the people who make them happen!