I truly look forward to their help and giving back to the community as Youth Service Learning and Make A Difference Day were important to me when I was in high school. It is great watching it full circle.”

Deanne Patten, co-owner of Firehouse Friends Childcare Center, LLC

At the Stanley Theater we are already honored to serve our community, the real magic is when it serves back.”

Theresa Pries, co-owner of The Stanley Theater

On November 1st, Stanley-Boyd students united to take part in Make A Difference Day, an initiative aimed at encouraging community service and civic engagement. Students engaged in various activities, from assisting local businesses to raking leaves for senior citizens and cleaning up around the school and community. Through these efforts students gained valuable insight in teamwork, empathy, and the importance of giving back to those in need. Students picked up litter and worked on beautifying the school environment, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the community space where they learn and grow.
Deanne Patten, co-owner of Firehouse Friends Childcare Center, LLC, shared how SB students made a significant impact during their visit to the childcare center. They cleaned windows and windowsills, washed all the playground toys, wiped down seven classroom and bathroom walls, pulled weeds in the front rock garden, and picked up litter throughout the playground and property.
“I truly look forward to their help and giving back to the community as Youth Service Learning and Make A Difference Day were important to me when I was in high school. It is great watching it full circle,” Patten remarked. Dani Thornton, the Center Director, echoed her sentiments, noting that the students did an outstanding job and genuinely enjoyed their time volunteering. “They even loved playing with the children at the end. It definitely helped us out as we don’t usually have extra time for the deep cleaning projects that they completed for us,” said Patten.
Theresa Pries, co-owner of The Stanley Theater, expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided by Stanley-Boyd High School students on Friday in keeping the theater well-maintained. Although the tasks were “not too flattering”, Pries emphasized their importance in keeping the venue fresh. She remarked, “At the Stanley Theater we are already honored to serve our community, the real magic is when it serves back.”
Participating in Make A Difference Day reinforced to SB students that even small actions can lead to significant change. Thanks to the influence of the Stanley-Boyd staff, Make A Difference Day stands as a testament to the spirit of service that thrives within the Stanley-Boyd student body.