CONNEAUT — Stephen R. Covey once said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Students at South Ridge Christian Academy are not only instructed with high quality academics but are also taught many character building traits and lessons. Realizing that though book learning is important, some things are better “caught” than taught. The “main thing” at SRCA has been to equip students with a desire to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. With this in mind, SRCA students and staff put actions to their words by serving their community on Sept. 25. This special service day was also used to raise money for SRCA as a Serve-a-thon (similar to a walk-a-thon). Students sent out letters asking family, friends, neighbors and local businesses to sponsor them in this project. Students then divided throughout the community, finding ways to be of a service.

Conneaut Township Park was stormed by the junior/senior high students armed with rakes, paint rollers and trash bags. Their mission: to assist in cleaning up the park. Students separated into three groups for painting, raking and cleaning the beach. Students worked side-by-side with the groundskeepers.

“This was a great opportunity to help others,” said sophomore Morgan Brett. “I never realized how much work it was to keep the park clean. Cleaning the park made me thankful for everyone who has to do it all the time.”

The groundskeepers were equally impressed with the helping hands of SRCA students.

“You guys did an excellent job! I think this is an excellent program and everything you did was great. You worked hard and we enjoyed having you here. I can’t say thank you enough for all the work and help at the park and for our community. Everyone can be proud of you. I am surprised by how much work was done in just a few hours,” said grounds foreman Dean Nottingham. “The park superintendent Dave Dickson also agreed with me and we both think that you did a fantastic job and we are both very happy. Keep up the good work!”

Students were then able to enjoy the beauty of Township Park with a picnic lunch. They spent the rest of their day enjoying various activities on the park grounds.

A member of the community served by SRCA was Marjorie Phillips. Phillips has been widowed for less than a year. She and her husband Wallace were married for 63 years. His passing has made it difficult for her to keep up with outdoor maintenance. The third through sixth grade students accepted the challenge of coming to her aid and getting the job done.

“They did so much!” remarked Phillips. “I had a lot of peony bushes that needed cut. They picked up sticks, cleaned the shed, and cleaned lawn furniture. They also washed all the windows inside and out, which is a big job, and others weeded the flower bed. When they were done with a job they would come to me ready for another. It would have taken me so long to do this, but they did it so quickly.”

It was worth it all when the students were rewarded by Phillips with homemade cookies! Students learned it does not matter who the person is; it is meeting the needs of others that matters. They also discovered that working for others can be a lot of fun. This service will not be limited to just the Serve-a-thon day as these young people plan to return to help Phillips in November.

“It was so neat, they didn’t grumble, but had a good time. You don’t find kids like that anymore,” Phillips said.

The kindergarten through second grade students mission was serving the seniors at Conneaut Senior Center. Besides entertaining the seniors, the students decorated lunch bags for the Meals on Wheels program.

“This experience taught them to help others,” said kindergarten teacher Carolyn DiLemme. “Even at this age they need to learn how to work. They did very well and the seniors loved having them there.”

Students also enjoyed lunch with the seniors. The seniors will be returning the favor when they come to visit SRCA on Nov. 19.

First and second grade teacher, Phyllis Good, was thrilled with the outcome as well. “I think it’s good for us and it’s good for them. Everyone benefits from it. I think it’s an all-around good thing,” said Good. “When we walked in, the seniors said, ‘Here come our kids!’ Even when you’re a kid you can serve.”

Good and her students have been reaching out monthly to seniors for the past five school years and will be continuing to do so.