ARCANUM, Ohio — More than 250 students are stepping up to clean up their community for Serve Arcanum Day.
“Umm, no, probably not,” sophomore Carley Rieman said jokingly.
Nor would they be willing to paint the community pool. But for Serve Arcanum Day that’s what it’s all about.
Rieman said this service project helps keep their small community close.
“I think it’s beneficial to everyone,” Rieman said. “Everyone feels like they’ve helped each other and we’re all a community, I guess. But yeah it feels good.”
Tyler Huber watering flowers in Arcanum. (Tino Bovenzi/Spectrum News 1)
Senior Tyler Huber is participating in Serve Arcanum Day for the fourth time. He thinks it’s a good way to give back to the people that have supported him during his high school career.
“It’s everything,” Huber said. “It’s giving back to the community. It’s coming out here showing support because they support us all the time with athletics and everything. It’s just a great day to come outside and help the community out.”
Serve Arcanum Day is the brainchild of Principal Jason Stephan, who started the annual tradition a decade ago. The main goal is to teach the students about servant leadership.
“We really try to instill the values of accountability, honesty, and service,” Stephan said.
Stephan thinks the program is making a difference for both the students and the community.
“Not only are kids getting out and making a difference, but also all the things we’re able to do for our community, our elderly neighbors, our community organizations,” he said. “We’re able to make a difference. And provide them with opportunities like this about repainting the pool and making sure it looks great for our community this summer.”
Arcanum High School’s Carley Rieman (left) and Karis Wright (right) working to pull weeds from a resident’s yard. (Tino Bovenzi/Spectrum News 1)
The students said they take pride in making an impact where they live.
“It just feels good to give back to them,” junior Zoe Monnin said. “It’s such a reward.”
The students, teachers, and volunteers helped complete more than 65 projects.
