Henry Sibley Students Involved in the Community

Throughout the spring, Sibley students have been contributing to the community in various ways. Of course we have GOFA week, where everyone who participates is contributing, in some way, to a local charity. But aside from this, Sibley students participate in the community in very positive ways.

The ALMAS group has participated in several activities over the spring, from helping to feed a local family to participating in schools’ festivals. The group, first of all, provided food for a local family in need. They actually cooked and bought all of the food and brought it to them once a week. They also have cleaned up Delaware Avenue on various afternoons. The group participates regularly in the Loaves and Fishes program at St. Matthew’s church to help provide food to those who cannot afford it themselves, and they participated in Garlough’s Environmental Fair. At the present, they are collecting food to provide to the Dakota Country food shelves.

In talking to some of the ALMAS members about these activities, it was interesting to hear their reactions to these activities and what they learned from them. According to Anabel Chavez, participating in these activities “really opens your eyes and realize that our problems are not as great as others’ problems.” Gladys Reyes said that volunteering helps you “realize and accept the things you know you have, without wanting things you don’t really need.” Some of the ALMAS members also mentioned getting to know other students a bit better through these activities, but mostly it was about doing good for people in need.

Key Club is another group that is involved in volunteering and community work. This Spring has been busy for them as well. They participated in Heritage Middle School’s Taste of Heritage and prepared meals for the homeless. They also worked to assemble furniture for families living in poverty, and they raised money for the March of Dimes walk for premature babies.

Key Club, though, is part of a national organization, so they get to participate in conferences and meet other Key Club members from other parts of the country. Paris Dunlop said that it was amazing “how much you can bond with someone [these students from other states] during a short period of time when you’re working toward the same goal.” She also says that in participating in Key Club all this time has made her realize all the good a small group of people can do. To her, it’s more important to help others in life than to help only yourself.

So as we embark on summer, and some of us on post-high school life, let us remember that. Helping those in need is the right thing to do, not just in case you need help yourself one day, but because it makes the world a better place.

Tags: henry happenings, sibleyscribe