Sophomore Service & Leadership

Weber sophomores returned from their memorable grade-level trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, this week. While class-related excursions are a regular part of Weber student life, these grade-level overnight trips offer something deeper: the opportunity to explore cultural and historical sites while fostering community building, personal responsibility, and collaboration.

 

The trip began with an early morning departure from Weber, leading the group to their first stop: a cleanup project at The Rossville Athletic Center in Rossville, Georgia. Partnering with Limestone Valley RC&D, seventy students and nine chaperones enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves to remove debris and litter from critical areas surrounding the center. Their work had a lasting impact beyond the immediate results. Each student’s time, valued at a national volunteer rate of $29.95 per hour, directly contributed to a local clean water grant. This grant, supported by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency, aids initiatives like repairing failing septic systems, which significantly affect water quality. By volunteering, our students not only helped clean the creek but also contributed financially to ongoing water quality improvement projects.

 

After a morning of hard work, the group traveled on to Chattanooga, enjoying dinner and evening activities, including a historical ghost tour, allowing students to unwind and bond. The next day, they explored Rock City, a Chattanooga landmark famous for its ancient rock formations and breathtaking panoramic views. At Rock City, students marveled at the views and enjoyed geological wonders and art installations along the trails.

 

The Chattanooga trip was a resounding success, highlighting our students' dedication to community service and hands-on learning. Special thanks to Michelle Geppert, Director of Student Programming and Leadership, for organizing and leading the trip, and to our chaperones Pamela Cohen, Gabby Lyon, Alex McIntyre, Adam Mayer, Jordan Crawford, Rebecca McCullough, Charlie McQuade, and Rachel Miller, who helped make this experience possible.