High school leadership club showcases community service projects and mentorship plans

The New Philadelphia High School OCC Leadership Club presented a summary of community service projects and upcoming events during the board's building spotlight.

Staff member Mr. Range introduced club leaders and advisors before the students described projects that included a county sock drive, yard raking for elderly and disabled residents, Blessings in a Backpack service, and work assisting elementary school events. Club leader Collin, who leads the OCC Leadership Club, said the group selected roughly 65 to 70 students to represent the district at conferences and in community service work.

Student senior Mark Proctor and another senior identified as Matthews summarized recent activities: as a district effort they collected about 3,200 pairs of socks during a drive (and a combined total across participating communities of about 5,200 pairs), raked roughly 25 yards through a community assistance event, and supported Blessings in a Backpack during the holiday season. The club also described planned support for Central Elementary's track-and-field day and South Elementary field days, a mentoring emphasis aimed at elementary students, and proposals for future events such as a community Halloween trick-or-treat night and a 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser.

Justin Pablo and Jesse Kendall, identified at the meeting as club advisors, joined the students and staff in the presentation. Collin told the board the club emphasizes "serving the community" and developing "servant leadership" among high school students so younger students will be inspired to join school teams and clubs.

Board members and administrators congratulated the students for their service and for building ties across the district.