Last Tuesday, Solon High School (SHS) freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors donned work gloves, picked up rakes and trash bags, and fanned out across the community for a few hours in the morning for a Spartan Day of Service.
“Its really about giving back to the community that gives so much to us,” said a teacher (who wished to remain anonymous). They’re always giving of their time and their money, so the least we can do is get our kids to help.”
The students worked at least 20 sites in and around Solon including the downtown area, the Solon Care Center, the SRNA, Lake Macbride State Park, the Celebration Barn, and at least two residences of senior citizens. Work done by the students included yard clean-up, cleaning & organizing, spreading mulch, washing windows, and picking up trash, noted SHS math teacher Kelli Roskopf.
Students helping out in the community, particularly with the senior population, isn’t just a one-morning affair however as SHS students volunteer with Solon Senior Support.
“We started a chapter at Solon HS to provide students with the opportunity to give back to the older adults in our community,” said Roskopf. “The students volunteer to help with yard clean-up during the fall and spring, create gifts that are distributed on holidays, and have recently started a pen pal project. Students can earn Silver Cord for their time, but most do it just because they enjoy helping their community and interacting with the older adults.”
Students who participate in 125 hours of volunteer service while in high school are recognized by a silver cord worn with their graduation robe.
“This year we have 26 members of the high school chapter of Solon Senior Support,” said founder Jill Weetman. “The students must get a permission form signed by a parent/ guardian before they are able to participate in activities outside of school. They can participate in activities at the high school, like assembling gift bags or doing craft projects.”
When working outside of school, such as providing lawn care to a senior citizen, the students are supervised by an adult and if under age 18, are prohibited from operating power tools or equipment, can’t work more than three feet off the ground, and must use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and/ or safety glasses.
As grateful as the recipients of the students’ help are, there sometimes is some reluctance to reach out for help.
“We reassure them that by accepting assistance, they’re also helping local students earn Silver Cord hours for graduation and gain meaningful volunteer experience for their college applications,” explained Weetman. “It becomes a mutually beneficial opportunity-students build connections, become more engaged in their community, and discover firsthand that helping others is deeply rewarding.”
Weetman said when older adults understand this they are then more open to accepting support.
“And once they meet the students, those interactions are overwhelmingly positive for everyone involved!” she added. “In many cases, these connections lead to greater engagement (by the senior citizens). Some of the older adults we’ve met through yardwork have gone on to attend other programs we offer. The message we hear most often in thank-you notes is simple but powerful: ‘It meant so much to feel seen, valued, and cared for.’”
To request help or for more information call 319-624-2773 or email [email protected].