During the much-needed Thanksgiving break, many high school students spent their time catching up on sleep and fun before heading into end-of-semester studies. A group of Yellow Jackets in the Technology Student Association (TSA), however, spent some of those down hours giving back to their neighbors. TSA members volunteered at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen in Columbus, MS to prepare and distribute hot meals for those in need. They served alongside other community volunteers to make sure families received a full Thanksgiving meal and other supplies. Tina Cockrell, one of the advisors for the student organization, said the experience was an opportunity for students to recognize their own blessings while serving their neighbors.
"Community service is one of the core values of the career and technology educational curriculum," Cockrell said. "That community involvement also extends to the CTC student organizations. Our students are so blessed. Even if they do seem to realize or appreciate the blessings that are provided daily, they are truly fortunate to have what they have. Serving the needy was an excellent way for students to see firsthand how blessed they truly are and to experience the joy that fills their hearts when they are a blessing to others."
Steve Greenough, Director of Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, provided the opportunity for students to serve and welcomed them to participate in the organization's work to help community members. Preparing to serve was a team effort at Millsaps CTC, Cockrell said, as Jacqueline Randle, the Center's Family Dynamics & Nutrition and Wellness Instructor, pitched in to create SHS polo shirts for student volunteers to wear.
Starkville High School and the Millsaps Center have an ongoing commitment to building volunteerism among the Yellow Jacket student body. One requirement of every student organization is that they participate in at least one community service activity each school year. Many groups host donation drives or volunteer opportunities within the school environment to engage their classmates in serving. Some, however, like TSA choose opportunities to be embedded with service organizations throughout the community to serve.
