Prep Seniors cleaned the beaches of Presque Isle for Outreach Day.

During Prep’s annual day of service, this year on May 15, students of the senior class were sent out into the community to help their community. One group of about 40 students took a trip to Erie’s beloved state park to do some good. With millions of visitors every year, the beaches sadly accumulate lots of litter, which can harm the local wildlife, some of which are rare or endangered. The students were able to help out and try something new.

“Outreach Day was honestly an eye-opener,” said senior Sammie Elwell. “Cleaning up trash is no easy task, and I got to experience something new and help our environment by doing this.”

Prep’s Outreach Day has been an annual event for the last 15years. The partnership between Prep Seniors and the Tom Ridge Center has formed a tradition of sorts, giving the seniors an enjoyable day at the beach while cleaning up.

This year, the students were working alongside Prep teachers Mr. Achille, Mrs. Duda, Mr. Smith, and Colonel Moses along with DCNR Ranger and Environmental Educational Specialist Brian Gula.

“The park ranger really helped me to appreciate nature in Presque Isle,” said senior Collin Bowes.

The outing proved to be a success, with the two groups the students were sorted into collecting bags of litter and moving driftwood off the shore where it can be collected. Ranger Gula collected the bags to be properly disposed of, leaving the park in a clean state where it can be enjoyed by wildlife and animals alike.

“Overall,” said Senior Mike Miceli, “it was fun to live the motto of developing our spirits, minds, and bodies at Outreach Day this year.”