Serving, creating community
May 13, 2011 12:00 am
Photo: Times photo by Cherri CrockettSERVING, CREATING COMMUNITY-- As part of their high school portfolio curriculum, Dirigo High School sophomores are required to participate in Community Service Day. Seen here working at the Peru Fire Station are from left, Sarah Veayo (advisor), Cody Chiasson, Taron Mazza, Kaitlin Langervin, Donald Hutchins, Kimberly Hutchinson, Ashley Mackin, Michael Chow, Kate Bonney and Chad Snowman. Absent from photo is Bryan Gray.
The students were led by advisor Sarah Veayo during a day of raking the lawn, sweeping the pavement around the fire department, as well as cleaning the fire trucks and learning how to operate the tractor to haul off debris.
"My kids did an excellent job today," noted Veayo. "I'm very impressed with their work and now they can have a little fun with the hose while they wash the trucks. They really deserve it."
Photo: Times photo by Cherri CrockettSophomore students from Dirigo High School are seen here washing a vehicle out back of the Dixfield Town Office as part of their Community Service Day.
By 10 a.m. they had already made 20 vehicles shine, as well as the faces of those drivers that didn't have to step foot outside their cars or pay.
Students participating in the car wash were Hunter Ross, Justin Chartier, Ambyr Wilson, Natalie Bolduc, Evan Hutchinson, Kain Harris, Eddie Bean, Samantha Cummings and supervising them was 2010 graduate Troy Derouche.
Libby Parr, advisor for the group, noted, "It's been a great morning. Not only is Troy with us and getting some great interaction and keeping his mind engaged, but the community really seems to enjoy this service."
Diana Jones, a second advisor to the group, noted, "The kids really look forward to this. They really enjoy making someone's day better."
Photo: Times photo by Cherri CrockettSeen here cleaning the grounds of the Dixfield Historical Society are Zach Maheux, Loren Keim, Gabe Neverette and Thomas Barnett.
The boys were in charge of cleaning up the flower bed, raking the lawns and cleaning the gazebo.
Advisor Athena Sanders, noted, "They've really done a great job. It's good for them to get out here and give back."
Students throughout the high school spent the day performing various tasks as part of their requirements for graduation.
Peggy Morse took over the reigns as coordinator 10 years ago from long-time advisor Louise Chapman.
"I inherited Louise's baby," noted Morse. "It's a great day for each class to take part in."
The freshman class spent the day learning transition and study skills, the sophomores were throughout the communities of Dixfield, Canton, Carthage and Peru performing various clean-up tasks, the juniors found a job to shadow, while the seniors had to work on their portfolios, which is a requirement for graduation.
Throughout the day, there were 10 sites that recieved community services performed on their grounds.