WABASH TRAIL CLEAN-UP … A large group tackled clearing brush on the Wabash Trail behind Martin Sprocket. (PHOTOS BY LACIE FISH, STAFF)
By: Lacie Fish
This is the 4th year of E3 at Montpelier High School. The E3 program is a program that works towards helping students make decisions about being Employed, Enlisted, or Enrolled by graduation.
More than 40 seniors volunteering recently with local organizations. Some were helping NORTA clean up the Wabash rail behind Martin Sprocket.
The seniors helped clear away invasive bushes, overhead hanging limbs so equestrian riders can enjoy the trail, and so much more.
NORTA is the Northwestern Ohio Rails to Trails Association. The North Country Trail starts in Nebraska, runs though Minnesota, through Wisconsin and the upper Peninsula, crosses the Mackinac Bridge, comes into Michigan and follows Lake Michigan down to Battle Creek.
The original plan from there was to go over to Hudson then into Monroe and to Toledo. Because of Wabash Cannonball they decided to change the course of the map.
Six of the students went to the fairgrounds to help set things up and get ready for the United Way of Williams County 5th annual 5k and kids’ fun run. This year is a Glow Run.
All proceeds benefit the Let Me Play Fund. This fund is set up to provide players fees, uniform costs, or even equipment to children who would like to participate in area recreation programs but do not have the means to do so. This even includes things like 4-H, theater, and band.
A few volunteers were also at the park painting the Little League dugouts and doing yard work at Shalom.
There has been allot of community support for the E3 program. The volunteer day was two parts. One being giving back to the community that has supported them and the second was that the underclassman were at the school listening to a guest speaker about volunteerism.
How it’s a great way to explore interests, test out potential careers, build work relationships, giving back to the community, and work ethic.
The group of Seniors that participated in Friday’s volunteer day are the first group that have participated all 4 years of high school.
Lacie can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
FRESH PAINT … Painting the Little League baseball dugouts were among the tasks for the group of seniors.