Service in the army

The beginning of school ushers in several Seton Hill (SHU) traditions such as the President’s Reception, Honor’s Convocation, and fighting for a good parking space. Another SHU tradition is Labor of Love, a Saturday of service projects within the school and community.
For the majority of students, this was their first service experience at Seton Hill, but others, like junior Meredith Harber, have volunteered every year. She comes back year after year because �…it’s fun. You see how much you�re given and you want to give back.�


By Vanessa Kolberg,
Staff Writer
The beginning of school ushers in several Seton Hill (SHU) traditions such as the President’s Reception, Honor’s Convocation, and fighting for a good parking space. Another SHU tradition is Labor of Love, a Saturday of service projects within the school and community.
For the majority of students, this was their first service experience at Seton Hill, but others, like junior Meredith Harber, have volunteered every year. She comes back year after year because �…it’s fun. You see how much you�re given and you want to give back.�
In past years, the �Seminar in Thinking and Writing� or �Connections� class required participation in the event, but this year it was comprised of about 90 volunteers who just enjoy making a difference in the community.
A freshman, Joe Messalle chose to participate since, �I have a lot to offer others.�
A group of 25 students chose to spread the love at the West Jeannette Salvation Army. Several projects were completed to rejuvenate the center, which freshman Marie Salguero especially enjoyed.
�I like seeing a new face given to old things,� she said while cleaning. In addition to cleaning various areas, students cut grass, raked leaves, dry walled, and did plenty of painting. While some students were right at home with the different tasks, others gained new experiences.
�I�ve never done dry wall before and I always thought it would be fun. I�m anxious to see how everything turns out,� said freshman Katie Mulligan on her new ability.
By the time students left the Salvation Army, most projects had been successfully completed. An office was painted, yard work finished, tables, chairs, and pews scrubbed, and tripods for the annual Christmas bell ringing brightened with a fresh coat of paint. Overall students enjoyed their time working at the center and left knowing they helped accomplish something worthwhile.
Junior Alicia Vasquez summed up the experience by saying, �the realization that you�re helping so many people is great.�
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