For the third year in a row, junior high students rolled up their sleeves to clear away trash before the season opener baseball game. The cleanup effort, coordinated by junior high math teacher Kayla Ulfig and junior high social studies teacher Joe Veronda, has become a tradition—one that not only improves the school’s appearance but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among students.

“This is the third year of our annual junior high garbage pickup day,” Veronda said. “The kids go around and pick up garbage from across the school grounds, and we have a nice school party. It gives them a sense of community and school spirit.”  

Students shared their thoughts on the importance of the event, emphasizing how it helps protect the environment, benefits local wildlife, and makes the school a cleaner, more welcoming place. Many expressed a strong sense of responsibility and saw the effort as a way to give back to their community.

As a reward for their hard work, admin sponsored an ice cream party for the students—an incentive that has quickly become a favorite part of the tradition.

Thanks to the leadership of Ulfig and Veronda, this annual event continues to instill school spirit, environmental awareness, and a commitment to keeping their community clean.