On the brisk yet sun-drenched morning of May 12, students from the SkillsUSA chapter at the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center stepped beyond their classrooms, theory rooms, and shops to once again serve their community. Teaming up with Hugh Coryea, president of the Agent Orange Veterans’ Project, students dedicated their day to cleaning and restoring local veterans’ cemeteries and memorials.

After a long winter, countless sticks and debris had collected beneath the trees throughout the cemetery grounds. Students worked together, filling can after can and carrying armloads of branches away so the grounds could safely and properly be maintained. They also brushed off gravestones after weed-whacking and grass-cutting, and carefully replanted brass flag markers in preparation for the American Flag Planting ahead of Memorial Day. Their work helped ensure the resting places of veterans and loved ones remain dignified, safe, and welcoming for visitors and groundskeepers alike.

“We do enjoy serving to show the veterans’ loved ones that we care,” states Breanna Stubbs, “and are thankful for their sacrifices.”

Once the cemetery cleanup was complete, the group traveled to Cascade Park, where they continued their efforts by pulling weeds and replanting brass markers in the Veterans and Agent Orange Veterans section.

They were most impressed by the Dog Tag Tree welded from metal rebar; tags from New Castle veterans who have passed away from complications due to Agent Orange dangle in the wind. Some had wrapped their chains around the metal “branch” in a storm, so a few of our students returned them to dangle in the breeze as they should. “Seeing these tags is so touching,” shares Austin Gerrish. “Thinking of their sacrifice, and all they lived through – It’s beyond my understanding.”

Caitlynn Doherty states, “I had a really good time, and, of course, it was fun being outside in the fresh air, but I really enjoyed seeing all the SkillsUSA members help the community. I’m glad I came along.”

The project provided SkillsUSA students with a meaningful hands-on opportunity to serve their community while learning valuable lessons in respect, responsibility, and civic pride. Senior students Makayla Fischer and Elizabeth Stubrich helped lead the day’s efforts with only 16 days remaining before graduation. Juniors Maddie Allen, Austin Gerrish, Mya Kilgore, and Bree Stubbs, and sophomore Makenzie Clark also stepped into leadership roles, having participated in several previous service projects with Hugh Coryea throughout the year.

Newer students, considering membership in SkillsUSA next year — sophomores Kaitlyn Dickinson, Caitlynn Dogherty, Will Elder, Natalie Folino, and Jocelyn Gerrish — eagerly pitched in and shared that they look forward to participating in even more service projects with SkillsUSA and the VAOVP next year.