As underclassmen took the PSAT and SAT on Friday, April 17th, Wheeling Park’s seniors traded chromebooks for teamwork as many participated in Patriot Day of Caring. This schoolwide tradition focuses on volunteer work and giving back to the community that supported them throughout their high school career. Groups of students fanned out across Ohio County, partnering with local schools, churches, and neighborhood organizations to tackle projects that needed a little helping hand. From organizing toys to reading to students, this day truly showed what being a Patriot truly meant.
To start the day off, several students went to Corpus Christi Parish School, where they helped out.
“We’re going to Corpus Christi to help them set up some school events like the rummage sale,” said Callum Wall.
Alongside helping out at the school rummage sale, students also helped maintain the local park just across the street. Keeping shared spaces at their best while also helping the community was at the top of the list for these seniors. Taking on the behind-the-scenes work that keeps this school going was just an example of how Patriot Day of Caring truly impacted these communities.
“While at Corpus Christi, we are planning on picking up around the park and just helping all around the school,” said Henleigh Shia. But for some students, the day also helped strengthen local communities, which have had a huge impact on them, making today even more significant and rewarding. Working in neighborhoods tied to their own family and friends helped not only them but also these entire communities themselves.
“I’m really just excited to help out around my boyfriend’s neighborhood,” said Dena Walton.
“I’m going to the Lachlan Chapel to help volunteer with the children and help them with their homework. A lot of my family goes there, like my little cousins, so I’m excited to see them as well,” said Ra’myah Asknerneese. 
Meanwhile, some Seniors highlighted and strengthened their skills by helping out the community.
“I’m going to the Waterfront to help cater for Northern for an SEC event,” said Paytyn Heldreth.
From churches to neighborhoods, these tiny aspects of Wheeling have had a huge significance to Wheeling Park Seniors. In the end, Patriot Day of Caring was more than a break from school; it was a reminder of how much impact students can have when they step out of the classroom and into their community. Their work may have only lasted a day, but the impact was surely there to stay.
