Van Buren Students Participate in Community Service Day

On Friday, May 2^nd 183 high school students from Van Buren High School participated in a day to give back to their communities for the second year. Julie Chapuis, Van Buren staff member, helped to organize the event this year. All students from the high school participated and were assigned service projects throughout Van Buren County.

The students began their day at 8:30 am and worked hard until 2:45 in the afternoon. The projects the students participated in varied from painting projects to cleaning projects to yard work. The students felt a sense of pride being able to give back to a community that has been able to give so much to them.

The following were the sites where students volunteered their time on Friday; Douds Community Club, Douds Historical Preservation, City of Milton- Fire station and City Hall, Lacey State Park, VBHS- front flower beds and track clean up, Morris Park, Cantril Grassroots, Bentonsport Rose Garden, City of Birmingham, Van Buren County Courthouse, Village Terrace, Country Lane Apartments, Center Village, Van Buren County Hospital , Riverview Country Club, Historical Society, Keosauqua Fire Department, City of Keosauqua, VBHS Trophy Case, VBHS Weight Room, SAFE Coalition, Kids at Play project.

Principal Chuck Banks thanked the students for their participation at the end of the day and encouraged them to not let this be the only time they give back, “one day is better than none, but two is better than one” and asked them to continue giving back to those who have graciously supported them throughout their high school careers. “Planning the event was a great joy. Our community members were so grateful for the student help. Many students and local leaders were able to develop relationships as they worked together. ” said organizer Chapuis.

Thank you to all of the volunteers in the community and the school who made this event happen, without these people this event would not be the success that it was. Thank you also to all of the students who worked so hard to make the community a better place. If you are interested in more information about Community Service Day feel free to contact Julie Chapuis at the Van Buren School 319-293-3183.