Sprayberry Students 'Get Their Good On'

The year-long program at Sprayberry High School, entitled “Get Your Good On!”, involved each advisement class of students (over 100 in grades 9-12) selecting and completing a community service project during the school year. The ninth grade students were mentored by a junior or senior student, and tenth grade students were mentored by an adult from the Sprayberry community. The classes met five times during the school year to learn about community service, select a project and complete it.

Associate Principal Dr. Paul McMahon led the March 30th celebration by reviewing the accomplishments of each class. Each advisement class was recognized, along with their mentor.

The list of service projects represents a wonderful connection between the school and its community. Classes created and sent care packages to soldiers stationed overseas, including letters of encouragement, food, or personal hygiene items. Classes visited a local animal shelter to help repair the facility and clean up walking paths. Classes visited residents at nursing homes and retirement facilities. Some classes fed the homeless by preparing and sending meals to food pantries. There were food collections, baby needs collections, personal hygiene item collection, blanket collection, and collection of over-the-counter medicine, just to name a few, that occurred at school based on the leadership of different advisement classes.

In addition to the class projects, great community service work was done by clubs and student organizations. The Read Across American Project, held at community elementary schools on Dr. Seuss’ birthday in February, allowed students to interact and build relationships with reluctant readers in feeder schools.

The Knitting Knerds club made knit caps that were donated to Egleston Children’s Hospital for chemotherapy patients who need a cap to keep warm.

The Relay for Life project, headed by the Sprayberry Leadership classes, raises money and awareness for cancer.

Pastor Ike Reighard from Piedmont Church closed the celebration by inspiring the students to continue the "Get Your Good On" attitude in their daily lives.

The Sprayberry community has been enriched by the actions of these students, and the legacy of Sprayberry High School being a school of service and community involvement continues to grow.