Harrisburg Students Give Back To Community

by Joel Young, Meteorologist/Reporter
October 04, 2012 7:49 PM


Thursday was a big day for students at Harrisburg Middle School. They got to do something they’ve been looking forward to for some time now.

It wasn’t something they would be receiving that had them so excited about Thursday’s event, but what they would be giving to others.
     
For the fifth year in a row, students at Harrisburg Middle School had the opportunity to give back to the communities that have supported them so much.

“We all go out to different places around the community, both in Harrisburg and in Sioux Falls; and we just give our time helping out anywhere that we’re needed,” says Katie Fesler.

Just in time for the colder weather, Mrs. Fesler's sixth grade art class stopped by the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society to warm things up for their furry friends.

The kids spent about an hour playing fetch with the dogs, teasing the kittens with their toys, and even cleaning up the animals' living quarters; and even if it was for just an hour, it meant a lot to both the kids and the animals.  

“We got to walk the dogs outside. My dog, she hadn’t been walked for two days so we got to walk her outside,” says Winter Van Valdhuizen.

While other classes were spread throughout the Sioux Empire helping out at day cares, nursing homes, and other various volunteer activities; Mrs. Fesler and her sixth graders were excited to have the opportunity to volunteer at the humane society.

“We were actually really lucky to get chosen to be here. It’s kind of a random selection, but these guys were so willing right away to help out with all the different animals and to help with cleaning and walking dogs and working with the cats,” says Fesler.

Making for a good learning experience for the students when it comes to responsibility, respect, and acts of good citizenship.

The event began with a kick-off assembly at Harrison Middle School Thursday morning just before students were dispersed to their worksites.