The Lancaster High School Varsity L club continued their tradition of giving back. For several years Varsity L participated in the United Way’s Community Care day. The last seven of those years they’ve volunteered at Geneva Hills Camp. LHS teacher James Crist said student athletes are put into several different groups that spread throughout the camp, and complete a variety of different tasks.
“These projects include: wood splitting, painting cabins, landscaping, trail clearing, cabin remodeling, and mulching just to name a few,” said Crist.
LHS junior Hailey Rings said she was assigned to Geneva Hills and her group was considered the landscaping group and were responsible for a number of tasks.
“Our goal was to help clean up the laser tag area. First we helped tear off roofs of some small buildings so they could redo them and then we also helped raked leaves off the ground and helped pick up sticks,” said Rings.
Rings expressed how community care day is important because it encourages people to come together and support one another and help serve the community.
“It’s a great way to help and fix local issues and needs whether it’s through volunteering, providing resources or simply spending time with those who might need it. It also could inspire others to get involved and continue the spirit of helping out beyond just one day,” said Rings.
Crist also stated the importance of students volunteering. He said he thinks it is good for students or anyone to understand the idea of paying it forward.
“Giving back to our community and making it a better place for us and our future generations. It is very selfless and rewarding for me to see them put in that kind of effort for free. In addition, many had a game or practice that afternoon, but they still worked hard,” said Crist.
Crist explained Varsity L Club athletes are any athletes who were or are currently on varsity roster. These students represent not only their high school sports teams but they also show school spirit outside and inside the classroom by participating in a variety of community service events.
“They participate in the 2nd and 7 Reading Foundation program. This program provides a book to every 2nd grade student in the district and our athletes go to the elementary schools and read that book to them. The club also participates in the Holiday Parade, Adopt a Family, and the Adopt a Tree program,” said Crist.
