NANKIN – The Mapleton chapter of the National Honor Society spearheaded a school-wide day of caring to participate in community service projects throughout the Mapleton School District and Ashland County.
Mapleton Cares Day took place on Tuesday when Mapleton High School students went out to 18 community locations for volunteer work. This year marks the 10-year anniversary for this community service event.
The first one was on a Saturday in 2016 and after that it turned into a day of service for all high school students and staff. The only year the event did not take place was in 2020 due to the COVID shutdown.
“It is important to our district to show students the value of community service and providing a helping hand to those who need it, simply for the good of helping your community,” Mapleton High School principal Corey Kline said.
This annual event is enjoyed by both staff and students as they volunteer their time in the community and have fun and build relationships outside of the classroom.
Senior and NHS member Emily Katsaris has participated in four Cares Day events.
“Cares Day is important because it allows all high school students to participate in volunteer events that directly give back to the community,” Katsaris said.
Many community sponsors help to make this event a success each year.
NHS Advisor Kerry Reisinger believes that community service is part of being a contributing citizen to your community.
“Everyone who lives, works, and plays in their community is benefiting from the services that are offered in the area,” Reisinger said. “Many of these services, such as fire departments, county parks, the county fairgrounds, and more, need volunteers to help their programs.
“Mapleton is proud to offer students the opportunity to give back to these community organizations.”
The community organizations that hosted volunteers:
● Pine Hill Farm/Sauers Park
● Nova Community United Methodist Church
● Byers Woods
● Brethren Care Village
● Ashland County Fairgrounds
● The Villages (formerly Lutheran Village)
● Orange Twp/Nankin Volunteer Fire Dept
● Trinity Baptist Church
● Polk United Methodist Church
● Nankin Community Church
● Ashland County Soil & Water
● The Inn at Ashland Woods
● Polk-Jackson-Perry Volunteer Fire Department
● Ashland County Historical Society
● Hurdle Waterfowl Park
● Ashland County Cancer Association
● Ashland Cemetery
● Ruggles Church
About National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students.
More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.