ARCANUM – Many were dressed in Serve Arcanum orange T-shirts with a list of sponsors, others in a variety of Arcanum school attire. All were students in grades 9 to 12 participating in community-wide service projects on a brisk but sunny Tuesday morning.
Students had an early start, too, complete with breakfast, before setting to work at a variety of locations. While some students worked at Generation Square and the school sign, others set to work at the pool, park, and even community homes.
According to Arcanum High School Principal Jason Stephan, this is the seventh year students have participated in Serve Arcanum. Projects range from weeding and trimming to mulch work, painting, and even in past projects building benches, playgrounds, and helping build a Habitat for Humanity home. “You name it; we’ve probably done it in the seven years.”
“It’s really been a neat experience for our kids, and our community,” continued Stephan. “It gives our kids an opportunity to say thank you for all the support our community gives to us.”
Stephan says almost every student volunteers, with many requesting to work with friends or with groups such as the Arcanum Garden Club.
Garden Club members Abby Cutright and Connie Wells could be found with students at the square. Meanwhile, Kathy Fout was busy planting flowers at the school sign with two high school seniors, Michael Fecker and Wade Meeks.
What started as an idea between Arcanum teachers and Stephan eight years ago, has taken on a life of its own, all based on making a difference.
“One of our goals at our high school is to have our kids leave with a service heart,” said Stephan. “That they want to go out and do better in the world.”
Once the hard work was complete, the students’ day was rounded out with lunch followed by games.
