Juniors Show That They Care

Grace Otey and Miryam Starr serve as Managing Editors for the Avon High School student newspaper, The Echo. They authored the following review of Junior Day of Caring.

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By Grace Otey and Miryam Starr, The Echo Managing Editors

As the students filed into the gymnasium on Sept. 10, Benson Boone blaring over the speakers, Junior Day of Caring began like a teen movie: with a pop music montage.

Principal Shockley kicked off Avon High School’s 12th annual Junior Day of Caring with a speech. 

“Today is a huge day in which we illustrate ‘we are Avon, we are one,’” said Shockley. “Give it your best effort today. Be amazing, represent us well, have fun, and I want to thank you all, students and staff, for your work.”

Every student’s experience was different, but they were all connected through caring.

Every student’s experience was different, but they were all connected through caring. 

At the Oaks at Plainfield, a senior care community, AHS students performed for the residents. Nariyah Moore, a violist, gave her input on the event. 

“I honestly enjoy playing, and I think it's nice to do it for people who maybe aren't used to seeing a younger crowd,” said Moore. 
Lily Hirsch, a member of the choir, said the Day of Caring leaves a positive impression with people in the community. 

“I think it's good to get Avon out there,” said Hirsch. “We should share our school values and what kind of people we are.” 

At Light and Life preschool, students helped with maintenance and entertained kids. Joseph Clore cleaned windows at the preschool; he said he enjoyed the camaraderie of working with classmates. 

“Me and my friend, Brad, are cleaning the windows,” said Clore. “I have a couple friends in my class, so it's kind of fun to work with them.” 

Clore said he appreciates the Day of Caring because of the benefit it has on the community. 

“These churches, they don't have a lot of funding, so it's kind of hard for them to get these little tasks done, because they have so many other worries. We can just do this and help get everything done,” said Clore.

Philip Coleman spent his day outside, taking softball fencing down for the daycare. He said he likes how the Day of Caring shows students experiences they may not normally have. 

“It kind of exposes a lot of people who don't go out a lot and exposes them to the feeling of helping,” said Coleman. 

Lauren Younie helped at the YMCA along with the rest of her SRT. They cleaned out storage rooms and organized sporting equipment. 

“It helps the community,” said Younie, “and it helps make a difference for the organizations around Avon.” 

Julia Zollner also helped organize the YMCA closets. She said the day was a nice change of pace from the stress of schoolwork. 
“It's not stressful at all, it’s calming. We’re just chilling out, helping instead of doing, like, work, work,” said Zollner. 

Emmanuel Castillo-Rodriguez spent his day at Misty Eyes in Kitty City. He helped to socialize the cats up for adoption. He gave insight on why the Day of Caring is important to him. 

“Probably to just give back to the community and serve,” said Castillo-Rodriguez.

Izzy Caylor also spent the day with the cats. She said her favorite part of the experience was allowing people to see how fulfilling volunteer work can be. 

“It's been awesome,” said Caylor. “It teaches high schoolers about volunteering and helping their community.” 

Junior Day of Caring brought Avon together. It reminded students why community matters and encouraged them to get involved. Shockley told the juniors this before they even left the building: “We don’t go out for ourselves, to seek any glory, we do it for our community.”