Emma's Day 2008
April 17th was Vanguard’s annual day of service. Previously called Viking Volunteer Day, the annual event was renamed Emma’s Day in 2001 to honor the generous spirit of Emma Welter, a Vanguard freshman, who tragically passed away on her way to Volunteer Day in 2000. Previous agencies helped on Emma’s Day have been the Family Abuse Center, the Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity, Compassion Ministries and various Waco nursing homes.
This year the 7th and 8th graders visited World Hunger Relief Farm, in Elm Mott, where they learned about agriculture and the various ways it impacts the environment. The 7th and 8th graders weeded, built trenches, made and laid fertilizer and planted corn. “It was a very smelly but educational experience,” said 7th grader Alan Harlin. “Hard work, but fun,” Calvin Brooks chimed in. The 9-12th graders spent the day at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church helping Camp Fire USA prepare for their summer programs. “I painted fish for the summer wall seascape display,” said 10th-grader Elidia Berg. “We had a lot of fun imagining how colorful the campers ‘class’ rooms will be this June.” “It’s amazing how much we got done,” added fellow classmate Jane Millar. “From posters to painted masks, everyone got to show off their creative side and spread some cheer.” 1,060 tubes of sunscreen were also collected to send to soldiers serving in Iraq. Vanguard students enjoyed dedicating themselves to the spirit of service, and appreciate all that Flip Alexander, World Hunger Relief Farm and Camp Fire USA did to make the day a big success.
