Trinity students praised
State and local officials are taking notice of the volunteer work Trinity Area High School students are planning in an effort to “Make a Difference” in their communities.
A local state legislator wants to designate Oct. 26 as “Make a Difference Day” in Pennsylvania, and Washington County commissioners last week honored the five students organizing volunteer projects later this month.
The Oct. 26 events include various volunteer work by students in Amwell, Canton, North Franklin and South Strabane townships. About a dozen students already volunteered in late August to help load old school district electronics so they could be donated to Goodwill in Washington County. That work, along with the other volunteer opportunities, will count toward the national ”Make a Difference Day” events.
Mary Ann Berty, a Trinity Area High School teacher and the students’ faculty adviser, praised the students for their preparation and was hoping for support from the community.
“The students have seized the initiative and have presented their plans in each township,” Berty said
Last Thursday, the Washington County commissioners recognized the five students working on the projects. Samantha Golaski, Mallory Rogers, Jordan Pruce, Sarah Smith and Marlee Debolt were in attendance for the meeting, and each received a certificate of recognition.
“One day turns into two days, and you’re setting an example that will stick with you for the rest of your life,” Commissioner Harlan Shober said of the Trinity students.
And that’s not the only recognition the students are receiving.
State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane, is also lauding their efforts by introducing a resolution in the state House to acknowledge their work and the good it will do in the community.
“It’s great to see our young people initiate this wonderful community service project,” Neuman said in a news release. “I commend the Trinity Area School District for supporting and guiding them, as well as the students’ parents for a job well done.”
The volunteer opportunities Oct. 26 include activities for residents at Strabane Trails and Woods Senior Living Homes in South Strabane Township, a Family Fall Fun Festival at Trinity South Elementary School and various clothes and food drives. The students also plan to conduct a technology and social networking seminar for retirees at Trinity North Elementary School in Canton Township from 1 to 3 p.m. There also will be a Goodwill electronics recycling drive from noon to 4 p.m. at Washington Crown Center in North Franklin Township and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Strabane fire hall on Oak Springs Road.
“Let’s all support these young people as they strive to Make A Difference in our communities,” Neuman said.
The national “Make a Difference Day” is sponsored by USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation. Go to www.makeadifferenceday.com to find out more about the volunteer opportunities.
Staff writer Barbara S. Miller contributed to this story.