WHS student athletes give back to community with day of service

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – Westborough High School’s (WHS) student athletes have been busy over the past few weeks preparing for their soon-to-be here fall season. But on Aug. 20, they took a break from their practices to participate in what has become a beloved annual tradition – Rangers Give Back.

Although Athletic Director Johanna DiCarlo and other administrators offer support and guidance, the day is organized by the students themselves.

This year, rising junior Julia French, along with assistance from Julia Desmond and Samantha Stucchi, led the event.

“Rangers Give Back is an opportunity for student athletes from WHS get to show their compassion for their community that does so much for them. They go to their old schools, help out at senior’s homes/senior centers around town, and this year we were fortunate enough to visit the Sugar Shack as well, all to ‘give back,’”  French explained.

The morning of Aug. 20 started off warm and humid but the students were energized and ready for their assignments. Before they left, DiCarlo addressed them, reminding them of the day’s mission.

“You have no idea the impact this day has,” she told the students. “You have the ability to make a huge impact not only on the town but also yourself.”

After the students left for their assignments, DiCarlo praised the students who, she said, were always excited to participate in the event as a way to give back to the community.

“The entire town of Westborough has always been so generous when it comes to the schools,” she said. “This is a way to give back and say thank you.”

“Many of [the students] came back from vacation early just so they could participate today,” she noted.

“It really is one of the best days of the year for us,” she added.

French agreed with the AD.

“One of the greatest components to this event is how it is very much student-led; all of the captains organize their teams and are in charge of completing the work given to them on their own. The kids really make an impact on the town, and this event is only possible because of each of their decisions to help out and make a difference,” she said. “It is an awesome feeling to witness all the hard work that the students put into this day and the appreciation received from the community.”

Student-athlete assignments included:

• The cheerleading team made candy bags at The Sugar Shack with students from the BORO program.
• The volleyball team visited residents at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center.
• The golf team mulched and the girls’ soccer team made up first day packets at the Mill Pond School.
• The boys’ cross country team mulched and did garden clean up school at the Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School.
• The field hockey team painted paw prints, mulched and gardened at the Annie E. Fales Elementary School.
• The boys’ cross country team mulched and the girls’ cross country made up first day packets at the J. Harding Armstrong Elementary School.

  

  

  

  

  

  

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