SGS students rake leaves in honor of veterans | Community

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Students are part of the National Honor Society and decided to rake leaves as part of a service project.

The Springfield High School Advancement Club posted a flyer on its Facebook page asking members of the community to recommend whose leaves the students should rake.

The students said they chose to participate in this project to make a physical and lasting impact on the lives of veterans.

“I just think it’s really important to show them our gratitude or appreciation because they’ve done so much for us and for our country,” said Matthew Scott, a senior at Springfield High School. “I think on this important day, we just have to go out and help the community and show them that we really do care about them and are very grateful for what they’ve done.”

One of the veterans the student raked leaves for was Andrew Smith, a World War II veteran. Smith served from 1944-1946. He says seeing students use their day off to help him made him feel special.

“They could have been outside enjoying this beautiful fall weather, they could have been having a great time somewhere else, but they chose to spend the day on my leaves,” Smith said. “It’s great.”

Smith said that as World War II recedes, it is important that younger generations remember the history. He was glad to have the opportunity to meet the students and thank them personally for their work.

“That’s what’s great about these young kids, and they do it so well,” Smith said. “I have a lot of respect for them doing this, and that tells me that this generation is going to be OK.”

Students collected leaves in the veterans’ backyards with the help of aggregates and rakes. They bagged the leaves and left an American flag in their yard.

The group raked leaves for more than 20 veterans in Springfield.

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