Exactly one week before seniors experience their last day of instruction at North Allegheny, 17 different NASH clubs are taking part in the first annual Senior Day of Service. Over the past two months, members of the NA community have made sure not to let Class of 2020 go uncelebrated. Today, however, it’s time for the soon-to-be grads to give back.

“Our NA community has really stepped up to make all the seniors feel appreciated and now it’s our turn,” said senior Ema King.

A member of SADD, King wanted her organization’s video contribution to the Senior Day of Service to express gratitude and spread positivity.

“Stand Together and SADD hope our video will brighten someone’s day and help get them through these difficult times,” she explained.

Likewise, members of the NASH National Art Honor Society are hoping to spread cheer around the community by organizing an art swap.

“We want to share the joy of art within the community,” explained Skylar Rodgers. “We hope this swap continues to inspire people within the community and lift their spirits during these disappointing and uncertain times.”

While the Senior Day of Service was designed primarily as a way for the seniors to give back, Senior Class President Jaime Martinez believes that the many service projects underway today portray a greater message—not to take for granted the privileges that NA students enjoy from attending such a strong district. 

“I believe that North Allegheny is privileged in innumerable ways, and it’s through this privilege that each person has a duty to uplift others,” Martinez said. “The Senior Day of Service is a call to action to the corners reaching beyond our Wexford bubble, hopefully leaving a positive impact before we close this chapter of our lives.”

Jenna Mlecko shared similar thoughts, anticipating that the project will allow seniors the opportunity to leave one last positive influence on the community before moving forward with their lives.  

“The day has introduced students to new ways they can get involved in the community, and hopefully the new experiences will show seniors other ways they can give back as they move into their future,” Mlecko said.

Although the original idea of seniors actively involved in community service was not able to be carried out due to the pandemic, the many months of planning that preceded today have not proven futile. The undertaking was simply modified to fit the current situation, and it now may even have an even bigger impact given the circumstances. 

“Even amidst the disappointment of the school closure and the circumstances surrounding it, this initiative allowed for a unique process where creativity and adaptability reigned supreme,” Martinez said. “After many lengthy discussions, we realized that, now more than ever, this initiative is needed as a direct call to action to the people who may be struggling in our community while also opening a larger dialogue surrounding the impact of an action.”

While most of the participating clubs’ projects are new, the NA Interact Club chose to continue their work with students at Grandview Elementary School in the Pittsburgh Public School District. Throughout the school year, members of NA Interact have sent letters and treat bags and arranged visits with students at Grandview, but the year-long service project was halted in March.

“We were disappointed that we couldn’t finish off the year together, so we decided it would be a great idea to send the students some videos of our students reading or motivational messages,” Mlecko said. “Hopefully these videos will brighten the students’ rough end to the school year.”

With the big day finally here, Martinez took a moment to reflect on the cause. 

“I hope the biggest takeaway for the community is a reflection on the impact that we can make in another person’s life,” he said. “No action is too small to count, and I hope students, teachers, and families feel the immense joy that is found in helping others.”