OHS students were able to get out of the classroom and learn in a different way on May 1. Students went to various locations helping the community in more ways than one.

As part of the second annual Service Learning Project, one group of students went to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery to mulch around numerous trees and the administration building at the front of the barracks. The group of about 15 students mulched close to 20 or 30 trees around the front entrance, each tree with about two to three inches deep, as well as around the perimeter of the administration building where people can check to find grave sites and check-in before funerals.

Davin Heilich (11), Josh Nodurft (11), and John Ellison (11) all were assigned to mulching around the administration building. They were all excited to be helping out the barracks and all commented that it was nice knowing so many people would see all of their hard work. And they also all enjoyed being able to be outside instead of being in a classroom all day.

Just down Telegraph at Goddard pre-school a group of students were creating a path from the back of the school around a new senior living community being built to a shopping plaza on the other side.

“It is fun working outside and building something we can see,” said junior Ben Picha. “Everyone is enjoying the work outside.”

The group even went above and beyond at the school building steps down a small wooded area of the path. The group was not told they had to build them, but decided to anyways because they thought it would make the path safer.

The path will become a nature trail and outdoor classroom with things like a weather station, Hop Scotch path and a garden area. The path will also connect the main building to the Annex (recreation room) in the shopping center next-door.

“It is great work and the labor is extensive,” said Kelley Nelson, who works at Goddard. “We were able to get the path done in a week, instead of three or four and all the students were hard workers.”