If you've passed by Albany High on Wednesday mornings this fall, you likely spotted dozens of teenagers in bright pink vests tidying up the school campus.
Known as the "Do-Gooders," these Falcons are participants in a soon-to-be official student-led service club that simply exists to empower students to do good in their school and the community at large.
"The main purpose of the club is to bring some positivity to Albany, because it's a place where teens can get a very bad rap really fast," explained Albany High senior and founding member Maeve Stein.
"The Do-Gooders Club is just a good way to get all of us kids into something very positive," Stein reflected. "It's just the small, meaningful things that mean a lot to the community."
Stein launched the Do-Gooders last school year by inviting a couple of friends to join her in picking up trash outside the school with School Resource Officer (SRO) Nick Schuler. What started as a small gesture of service with just three students has expanded into a big community of Falcons who are so enthusiastic about helping others that they are willing to arrive to school a whole hour early once per week — now that's dedication!
Currently, there are 50 students who are active in the Do-Gooders. Schuler, along with Albany High staff members Breianna Fish and Cheyenne Adams, provides direction, support and guidance to the participants.
The Do-Gooders meet on Tuesdays in room 2235 after school to plan their activities and on Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. to do service projects, such as picking up trash on school grounds. As the weather turns colder, the Do-Gooders plan to shift their focus to volunteering in our Falcon Market. Students will organize inventory, clean the room and ensure the displays are welcoming and thoughtfully presented to our students and families that utilize this free resource.
In addition to keeping our campus tidy and welcoming, the Do-Gooders have also volunteered their time at local food drives and are currently raising funds to support the American Cancer Society by participating in Making Strides of Albany. On Oct. 18, students will gather in Washington Park to walk in honor of those who have battled breast cancer, in memory of those they have lost to breast cancer and in support of the survivors, families and loved ones who continue the fight. to learn more about their efforts.
We are immensely proud of these Falcons who lead by example, making the world a better place through small, yet meaningful acts of kindness.