On Saturday morning, April 19th Herndon Career Center students and Westport High School students spent their day helping each other out. Students from the Community Service committee at Herndon Career Center and student leaders from Westport High School sought volunteers within their schools, communities, and other area schools. In all, 249 volunteers participated in Saturday’s event. 195 volunteers went to Westport High School where they installed 13 new energy star compliant air conditioning units, repaired and painted 640 lockers, land landscaped, cleaned storage areas, and completed some much needed painting of hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms. Another 54 volunteers painted classrooms, lockers, and doors at Herndon Career Center. Students ended the day at each school with an awards ceremony recognizing volunteers for their time and effort.

Funding for the project was provided through two national SkillsUSA grants through Lowe’s and TimberlandPRO as well as donations from AirGas, Data Link Corporation, Knight’s of Columbus Women’s Auxiliary, Wal-Mart, and HyVee. The United States Army provided lunches for all the volunteers at both Westport High School and Herndon Career Center.

Students from Herndon Career Center and Westport High School are challenging other students across the nation to carry the concept of Schools-Helping-Schools forward into their schools and communities to make better learning environments for all students.

Click here to see a Video Slideshow

Participation was brisk and busy. The activity was conducted at the First Baptist Church of Raytown.

Employers set up recruiting tables on the floor of the gymnasium, and some employers gave informational presentations in the Atrium.

Colleges set up informational presentations in the gymnasium as students investigated employment opportunities and colleges.

Students came armed with resumes and interest. The photos tell the story.

Click here to see the Career Fair Photo Gallery

On Friday afternoon, December 14, 2007, when many teens were heading off to hang out with their friends or go to their weekend jobs, Herndon Career Center students set out to purchase gifts for needy children in the community. The students raised $1,637.14 in their annual Silver Drive which was a 60% growth in funds raised since last year. Students met at Wal-Mart on 350 Highway to purchase gifts for the children on the angel tree. In all, they were able to purchase 97 gifts for 68 children on the tree; and, to top that off, they had enough left to purchase 8 holiday meals from HyVee for 8 needy families. These meals will feed a family of eight, and the families can choose either a 10-12 lb. turkey or a 5 lb. ham along with their side dishes and pies.

Click here for Silver Drive Gallery

In addition to the funds the students raised, Wal-Mart donated an additional $66.03 toward the childrens gifts. As Herndon students left Wal-Mart, they dug deep into their own pockets and dropped additional coins and dollars into the Salvation Army tin.

Their afternoon work was not yet over; however, as the students hopped into their cars, and the long train of cars traveled to Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) to deliver the gifts and the holiday meal certificates. Mr. Al Brown, Director of REAP spoke to the students about the needs in the community and how the items would be distributed. He commended them on a job well done. Students left with smiles on their faces knowing they had truly made a difference.

Check back soon for complete updates.

Thanks.