On May 24, 2023, Madison High School students will take a break from their classroom learning and participate in a number of service opportunities around Madison on the Day of Service. These projects range from assisting the Great Swamp Watershed Association in refuge upkeep, members of the Red Cross club instructing elementary school students on disaster preparedness, and a student run pickleball clinic for any local seniors citizens interested in learning the sport. These projects are among 50 of the service initiatives MHS students will participate in on the Day of Service.

Joseph Cecala and Diane Fastiggi are this year’s Day of Service coordinators. It’s one of the largest events run each year and incorporates students from freshman year up to junior year.  Seniors will spend the day attending meetings about graduation events and hear speakers about post-high school prepardness- which explains why they aren’t present. All participating students are given the opportunity to choose which volunteer group they would like to be a part of, many volunteer alongside thier sports teams or other extracurricular clubs.

The event has a huge impact on the Madison community and even affects communities outside of Madison. “At Madison High School, we value commitment to service and strive to create students who understand and buy into the idea that lifelong community service betters the community for all,” Cecala said. This initiative is clear in the students’ efforts as they spend the day working.

Overall, the event embodies Madison High School’s spirit for service and commitment to the surrounding community, that was initiated by Geraldine Dodge- from whom our mascot is named. Plus, it brings lots of joy and fun to the student body themselves. Student Maggie Kim said, “I’m excited! It’ll be great to work with The Seeing Eye and be with my friends while making an impact.”