Marlborough – Ten Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School (AVRTHS) students and four staff members shared a special experience during an April break from classes. They participated in AVRTHS” first “Learn & Serve Program” and completed a variety of service projects in the Shrewsbury/Worcester area. The group from AVRTHS partnered with Veterans Inc., and for three days and two nights stayed at Independence Hall in Shrewsbury.
The students and staff painted hallways at Independence Hall, worked at Habitat for Humanity's Restore in Worcester, visited Project HOAP on Chandler Street, volunteered at St. Anne's Thrift Store and Pantry and the Little Patriot's Preschool, and served meals at the Mustard Seed and Veterans Inc. Grove Street facility.
AVRTHS Director of Pupil Personnel and Guidance Services Alyssia Berghaus led the effort, along with teachers Neil Mansfield, Bill Italiano, Maureen Jarvis and her husband, Kevin.
“The students were great,” Berghaus said. “We were both exhausted and invigorated by the experience. We all learned so much about homelessness, especially amongst veterans. It was also a great bonding experience for our students and staff.”
Students were able to put some of their technical skills to use by building shelves for the Little Patriots childcare program run by Veterans Inc. The group also attended the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, where Mansfield and the students unveiled a handmade memorial commemorating the service of all men and women from all branches of the military. The metal artwork is now featured at the mess hall at Veterans Inc. headquarters located on Grove Street.
