RaiderNet

On Wednesday, May 22, Mrs. Ryan’s 2018-19 AP calculus class partnered with Friends of Fulton Parks to begin a cleanup of recreation park located next to G. Ray Bodley High school. The event lasted three days and the students worked very hard to make the best of the time they had.

The group was inspired to accomplish this feat when during a walk they noticed how the park could use some attention. After talking to representatives from Friends of Fulton Parks and with Mrs. Ryan’s go-ahead, they were ready to take on the challenge and clean up the park.

It was tough work, but thankfully the weather was cooperative with no rain during any of the days. Among the jobs of the students was raking, picking up sticks, bagging leaves, picking up trash, and raking mulch. Mrs. Ryan made a special effort to spruce up a small garden next to the unpaved student parking lot.

Senior Andrew Hyde brought a wheelbarrow and a trailer to school all of the days so there would be lots of space for the sticks and leaves. Hyde and senior Jenna Ruzekowicz both brought plenty of rakes and shovels so that everyone could help.

Senior Jon Simpson said, “It was nice to get out of the school and clean up the community for a change instead of just doing work.”

Senior Hayley Vann stated, “I think that the clean-up we did for AP Calc was really rewarding. It shows that our teacher would set aside time to help clean up our community and allow her students to help her. I also think it was very eye-opening because I personally didn’t realize how unkept the park was until we got down there.”

Senior Andrew Hyde said, “It was a great out-of-the-classroom experience and I’m glad I was able to take part in it.”

Senior Jenna Ruzekowicz said, “I think personally, especially as seniors going out into the world, it’s important that we spend our last few weeks not just learning formulas and preparing for tests, but that we learn some valuable life lessons. Mrs. Ryan took three days out of her plans to teach us that there’s more to being a student than sitting in the classroom. We have a duty to also contribute to society and use our time to make a positive impact. We’re going out into the community next year as adults. We need to learn how to act like it.”

The group hopes that this effort inspires others to be involved in their community and help out in whatever way possible.