Hurricane High School students deploy to flood zone

Students from Hurricane High School traveled in busloads to flood-damaged neighborhoods on Friday to assist residents recovering from last week's flooding. The group, dressed entirely in red, focused on placing sandbags in front of garages and shoring up damaged structures.

Susan Wiese, a teacher at the school, said the experience taught the students that helping others is simpler than they previously assumed. "I think they're learning that it's easier to help than we often think," Wiese said.

Junior Kayzlee Sanders spoke with homeowners about their needs and offered assistance in any available way. "I was talking to some of the owners of the houses so I just like to help in any way I can," Sanders said.

Senior McKab Gardner highlighted a personal connection to the disaster, noting that one of his teammates lost his home to flooding twice. The student said his teammate now faces a permanent move due to the repeated damage.

Millie Danze, a junior, described the service as a tool for personal growth. "As a person its helped me grow to serve all everyone," Danze said. Teacher Kris Long observed that the students met the challenge effectively. "I think the students rose to the occasion," Long said.

Macy Powell, who tied sandbags during the effort, expressed a long-term goal of making a living impact on others' lives. "Some people feel like they're alone but they'll never know the impact they make on some people," Powell said. She recalled seeing residents' faces brighten as the group arrived.

Long noted that weather forecasts predict rain for the next three days. The school community hopes the area will not face a third flooding event during that period.