Fifteen Pennsylvania College of Technology students, joined by a Student Activities staff member and an organizational adviser, participated in the Martin Luther King Service Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 14. The event kicked off in Penn’s Inn at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast, sharing of the day's purpose and a group activity. The event is a part of United We Serve, President Obama's program to encourage Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to the nation's most pressing problems. Because classes are in session on Martin Luther King Day, Student Activities chose to conduct the service initiative Saturday. Students went to Albright Life and assisted with the removal of old equipment and attic cleanup; participants also were given a tour by Albright Life staff, who shared the mission of the agency. Another group of students went to the West House, where they did outdoor work and deep cleaning, then spent the afternoon playing bingo with residents. The event was organized by Sara R. Hillis, assistant director of student activities for student services and involvement. The students were accompanied on-site by Dementro "Debo" Powell, assistant director of student activities for diversity/cultural life, and Sharon Comini, who advises United Campus Ministry and serves as a campus ministry liaison between United Churches of Lycoming County and Penn College. The campus observance also included a gospel concert and a multimedia presentation. Next year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Service Challenge is set for Saturday, Jan 19.
– Photos by Whitnie-Rae Mays, student photographer
Ashley M. Stuck, among the members of Students Making a Contribution
Students are reminded of the catalyst for their volunteerism.
Resident Assistants Brandon S. Haney (also a student ambassador) and Ashley G. Maietta clean shelves.
Dementro "Debo" Powell, assistant director of student activities for diversity/cultural life
R. Quinn Ross scrubs ceiling lights.
Volunteers watch a PowerPoint presentation about Martin Luther King Jr. prior to their community service.
Jennifer A. Lohman sanitizes a banister.
Brandon S. Haney calls out numbers, while other students help residents play bingo.
Brandon S. Haney, Adam C. Swan and R. Quinn Ross clean up for winter.
Sarah M. Shivock lends a helping hand.
Rebecca R. Miller, Sarah M. Shivock and Jennifer A. Lohman take a rare pause during a full day's work.
Brandon S. Haney shuttles supplies to the job site.
Jennifer A. Lohman makes a new friend.
Ashley G. Maietta and Brandon S. Haney cut a replacement ceiling tile.
"Debo" briefs participants during a warmup session in Penn's Inn.
Cleaning the West House
Brandon S. Haney replaces a water-damaged ceiling tile.
Adam C. Swan and Rebecca R. Miller prepare for their assignments.
Adam C. Swan and R. Quinn Ross move plywood out of the wintry weather.