Rebels with a cause

May 4 will mark the 10th year Owen County High School will hold its community service program, REBELSoutREACH.

Student-athletes and coaches will be out in the community volunteering at various sites lending a helping hand to those in need. Through the years, REBELSoutREACH has painted, planted flowers, trimmed bushes, cleaned gutters, and laid mulch for the elderly, and disabled, and helping with the cleanup of the town square and county park.

“This is a great opportunity to work alongside our students and build relationships”, said program organizer TJ Wesselman, “As you know our community support is second to none and this is our chance to give back”.

Last year, the program was able to help the community at 23 work locations with over 90 student-athletes participating. The number of volunteers is expected to jump significantly as middle school students will be invited to participate.

“This collaboration with MBMS and their athletic department is a piece of an ongoing partnership to work together making the transition from middle school to high school smoother,” said Wesselman.

The day will start at 8 a.m. when the students arrive at the high school gym for breakfast provided by local businesses, after which groups will depart for their designated work sites.

Upon completion, students will be transported by bus to the park for lunch. Meals are purchased or donated thanks to the kindness of the community and the help of nearby businesses.

Individuals or groups wanting to make donations in the form of monetary, supplies, or meals may contact Wesselman.

“We collaborate with local businesses who donate mulch and other supplies for free or their cost to help provide for those who cannot afford them otherwise,” said Wesselman.

By completing the REBELSoutREACH candidate form and scanning the QR code, one can request to be added to the list of service projects or contact TJ Wesselman at 502-484-5509. The deadline to apply is April 27.