The April 26 HSD Earth Day Clean Up lived up to its billing: For the sixth straight year, the event brought together staff, community volunteers, and students to improve outdoor areas. Unfortunately, it proved to be the final service project for the district’s five AmeriCorps members.
Volunteers of all ages showed up ready to make a difference. From 9 am-11:30 they moved approximately 20 yards of wood chips donated by Reyes Tree Service. The chips were laid down over burlap to create a walking path adjacent to Hockinson Middle School. The path will give students easier access for Science field studies, provide a soft running path for our track athletes, and provide a relaxing walking path for community members.
After eating a lunch provided by Heritage Burgerville, volunteers started in on the second project of the day: Spreading another 20 yards of barkdust across the HHS campus. Special attention was given to the areas leading into the school’s auditorium so it looked its best for tonight’s opening night performance of The Sound of Music.
Sadly, five of the volunteers who worked so hard on these projects were informed on Monday that federal funding for their program had been suspended. This decision, which came without warning, meant that we had to bid farewell to the best school and community volunteers we could have hoped for: Rachelle Hymas, Keeley Hall, Olivia Witherspoon, Adam Haris-Bloom, and Elin Bony. These five members started supporting our schools in September and were slated to work through July 15.
We could not maintain our facilities without the support of the Hockinson community and, in this case, our AmeriCorps members; current levy dollars and volunteerism are critical resources that make these improvements possible. Thank you, Hockinson community! And thank you, this year’s five fantastic AmeriCorps members. We will miss you.
