by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — It was an incredible day at the Wellington High School. From the opening to the final bell, students learned the value of volunteering. Today was the third annual “Service Day”

The day was a cooperative effort through the Wellington High School Leadership Group by Karla Defore and the WHS National Honor Society.

Students with sponsor volunteer at Sumner Care Center.

Sophomores through Seniors participated in various volunteer events. Wellington freshman took a field trip to Wichita State University for “College Day”  — as part of the Crusader Way — a program originally initiated by then assistant principal Joe Jacobs. 

Defore told Sumner Newscow this year’s program is dedicated to raising funds for the Patti Sober family helping with expenses. Sober, an employee at the Bank of Commerce in Wellington, is currently in Seattle being treated for cancer. She has two children, Houston and Dietra, who are currently students at the school district (see related story).

Today was two tiered. In the morning, students scattered across the community and within the school district to volunteer their services with a supervised teachers.

There were students at Arrowhead Animal Clinic, The Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the USD 353 bus barn, Eisenhower Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Washington Elementary, Memorial Auditorium, the Wellington Public Library, the Wellington Food Bank, Free Will Baptist Church, Rock Island Fields, Sterling House, Sumner Care Center, Vantage Point, Wal-Mart, Wheat Capital Manor, and the downtown streets.

These high school students were volunteering at Sumner Regional Medical Center.

In the afternoon the Crusaders of the Stage sponsored a talent show open to all the students.

Then every student was asked to purchase a wrist band by Jaedyn and Linda Ledesma (see related story) and either go to a movie, participate in a dodge ball tournament, or do Karaoke.

Students donated their time inside the high school as well.

Cleaning the bus was part of Service Day.

High schoolers throughout downtown was giving the area a clean look.