Global Youth Service Day a Big Success!

Mayor Alday, Mayor Baker, Mayor Davis, Mayor Johnson, and Mayor Rikard signed proclamations declaring April 25, 2008 Global Youth Service Day. Six high schools in DeSoto County participated in a massive canned food drive as a part of the Global Youth Service Day project You CAN Help, sponsored by Volunteer Northwest Mississippi. A total of 13,229 cans were collected and donated to food pantries in DeSoto County. Horn Lake High School came in first place, winning $500 for collecting 7,000 cans!! DeSoto Central High School came in second place, winning $200, and Southaven High School came in third, winning $100.

Way to go Horn Lake!!

Pictured with the 7,000 cans (boxed and ready to go to the Sacred Heart Southern Mission Volunteer Program) are Kelly Tartt of Sacred Heart, seniors Maegen Dillingham and Samantha Holland, Spanish teacher Maria Routt who also served as the coordinator for the project, seniors Amanda Eddington and Erica Napper, Principal Jim Ferguson and Lois Harrison of Sacred Heart.

 

As part of this project, schools were also given the option to build a structure with their cans. Southaven High School placed first in the structure competition (winning $500) with their structure "A New Day."  DeSoto Central High School placed second, winning $200, with their structure "Gumby Cares." Olive Branch High School placed third, winning $100 with their structure, "Let My People Eat."

Pictured are some of the SHS youth who assisted in constructing "A New Day."  (Seated on the left) Chasidy Smith and Arielle Bryer.  (Standing) Dustin Darby, Crystal McNabb, Volunteer Northwest Mississippi, presenting the $500 check, Brandon McIlwain, English teacher Robin Avant who served as the project coordinator, Cody Reynolds, Kevin Bunyard, Alexandra Hooper.  (seated on right) Brynn Curtis and Michelle James.  The Samaritans picked up the cans for their food pantry.

Other Structures

Olive Branch High School, 3rd place

 

DeSoto Central High School, 2nd place

 

Center Hill High School

 

Thank you:

Elaine Abadie, Wayne Bartley, and Mary Ayers for taking time out of your schedules to judge the structures

Kyle Cooper for your help with transportation

Students and teachers for participating in this event

Hernando/Nesbit Interfaith Council on Poverty, Samaritans, Olive Branch Food Pantry, and Walls Social Services for picking up the canned goods