Robin Gressett
On Wednesday, October 15th, West Lauderdale’s Libby Gary Chapter of the National Honor Society participated in Lauderdale County’s Day of Service. This is a historic day dedicated to the cleaning and restoration of the County’s beautiful landmarks and beloved attractions. Every year, for five years now, the society takes time to freshen up a place that is dear to Lauderdale County during Fall Break. This year’s trip was taken to Okatibbee Park where the students and staff put both their hands and minds to work.
This year, students and staff participated in a three-hour clean up that consisted of leaf blowing and raking leaves, trash pickup, and the removal of pine straw. In addition to this, one of Okatibbee’s park rangers, Ms.Tegan Pettis, came to acknowledge the support and inform them on how each task will benefit the park in the future.
One helper, Kaley Hardy, agreed with her statements sharing:
“Our hard work is going towards a great cause, helping the park flourish.”
Afterwards, Ms. Pettis joined in on the cleanup movement and led the way to the end of the project.
Although the cleanup ended, the fun did not stop there. Soon thereafter, students and staff made their way to the MAEX where the students were able to walk through the exhibit and learn more about Mississippi’s culture before lunch was served. Not only that, but Miss Mississippi Anna Leah Holly took time to speak to everyone who participated and gave insight on the goodness of the act and the empowering nature of serving others. LCSD’s Day of Service was not only successful, but created a powerful outlook on the future of Lauderdale County in the eyes of its young, but mighty, maintainers.