Community Spotlight

When Volunteers Set the Stage for Student Success

by Liam Ambrosino

 

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 13 volunteers gathered from all over the Richmond area to build sets for Falling Creek Middle School's production of The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet. Split into two groups, builders and painters, volunteers created a new world for students to enter.

 

Conner Evans, an English teacher at Falling Creek who began assisting the theatre department three years ago, spoke on the impact volunteers have on the school. Since the beginning of theatre at Falling Creek, volunteers have been integral to the program's success. 

 

“In fact, this set contained castle walls that were built by volunteers                                   three years ago,” Conner said. It’s incredible to see volunteers and                                      their hard work continue to pay off as they’re still being repainted to                                      this day. 

 

People from all different backgrounds showed up to lend a hand.                                  Mother and daughter, Trisha and Luna Evangelisto, gave advice to                                 people who haven't taken that first step to volunteer. 

 

“Do it,” Trisha said. “If there's something that you're interested in…                                           put the idea out there and take action, good things come from that.”

 

Dex Schult, a recent college graduate and member of the volunteer organization AmeriCorps, spoke on this further. “In order to honor Martin Luther King's legacy, it's not just about taking the day off, you have to build community, you have to go out there and make change.”

 

                                                    The day’s volunteer work directly contributed to the students                                                      and their education. Theatre programs are not just great                                                              outlets. As Conner explained, "It's great for their reading skills                                                      in general, just to spend that much time with the script and                                                          the lines.” 

                                                    As opening night draws closer, these sets aren’t only the                                                              backdrop for the show but a beautiful display of                                                                              collaboration and commitment. Every carefully constructed                                                        and painted wall reflects the many hours volunteers                                                                      dedicated to supporting the arts and students’ literacy skills.                                                        The production represents more than just a performance, it’s                                                      a shining symbol of the power of community and                                                                            volunteering!