Cuyahoga Heights High School students spent October 8 putting their commitment to service into action during the school's Community Impact Day. The event gave students in grades 9-11 an opportunity to give back to the communities that support their education while learning more about the people and organizations that serve local residents.
The day began with students taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Following lunch, students traded their pencils and test booklets for an afternoon of community service.
Working in small groups alongside staff members, students traveled to locations throughout Cuyahoga Heights, Brooklyn Heights and Valley View to assist with a variety of projects.
Service locations included the Brooklyn Heights Fire Department and Community Center; The Woods, Valley View Community Center and Miller Park in Valley View; and Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School, Cuyahoga Heights High School, the Cuyahoga Heights Police and Fire departments, and the Cuyahoga Heights Service Center.
At the Brooklyn Heights Fire Department, students helped sweep and clean the station while gaining a firsthand look at the responsibilities of firefighters. They also had the opportunity to try on firefighting gear, operate a fire hose and learn more about the work firefighters do to protect the community.
Throughout the afternoon, students worked together, interacted with community members and experienced the satisfaction of making a difference through service.
“Community Impact Day provides an opportunity for students to develop teamwork, responsibility and an appreciation for the communities that have supported generations of Cuyahoga Heights families,” said Principal Scott DeTray.
While students in grades 9-11 participated in Community Impact Day, seniors spent the day exploring their futures through job-shadowing experiences or college visits.
“The day reinforced an important lesson that extends beyond the classroom: Giving back, helping others and taking pride in one's community are meaningful ways students can make a positive difference,” said DeTray.
