Last spring the Hancock Business Professionals of America received one of the highest honors possible for the club. At the national convention they were named the CARES Award winner. The CARES award is a national honor for outstanding Community Service work and stands for (Cares is not an acronym) Participation in this program means that members are engaging in worthwhile projects that support the betterment of their community while having the opportunity to receive recognition from the national organization.
The group does many activities during the year to qualify for consideration for this award. One of these is the annual leaf raking project in the fall. This project involves students spending an afternoon raking lawns for the elderly, shut-ins, sick or at non-profit sites.
This year that special day is going to change. Students will still be raking leaves for people in the community during the afternoon, but the morning will be dedicated to other avenues of service.
BPA advisor Amy Dougherty explained that Friday, October 25 will be called A Day of Service. Along with leaf raking the students will have morning activities dedicated to service.
These will include, but not be limited to, computer classes for seniors interested in learning, making cards for soldiers, baking and delivering cookies to shut-ins and possibly volunteering at a local thrift store. A group of students will also be taking a bus to an area nursing home to sing and possibly present gifts. The BPA students are still researching things that can be done that morning and suggestions are welcome.
As far as the leaf raking portion goes, people are encouraged to call the school to have the students work at your home. Similarly if you have an idea for other service projects you can call the school and leave a message for Dougherty.
The students started their Day of Service day early by helping the kindergarten class in the computer lab. Way to start off the week right!
