2008 Woodie Awards
Big Cleanup in the Big Easy
Paul Bahr
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: News
Hurricane Katrina wreaked much devastation along the north-central Gulf Coast. Hitting the south, especially New Orleans, Katrina caused death and property damage still dealt with today. It continues to be a struggle; rebuilding life that was destroyed by nature. It left many people in poverty and in need of help.
Rockhurst organized a January service trip to New Orleans, providing assistance where they could. In all nine students participated. From there it was on to the Big Easy to make friends as well as a difference in the lives of others.
The week-long trip focused on working alongside a volunteer organization, the Phoenix of New Orleans, Louisiana. Staff and students were split into different groups.
"We had some people on gutting and landscape, others on electrical and putting up walls, and a group doing mudding at another house," commented freshman Carmen Aguilar.
After such an experience, students and faculty became closer friends, working hard to aid others.
"Everybody learned something new, and the experience of doing service created a bond among the students," stated Katie Bennett, Rockhurst staff.
Senior Rosemary Hart weighed in on her impressions from the humbling experience.
"They [the families] all wanted to meet us and thank us for the work we were doing. Even the police driving by on their rounds would honk and wave to us as a thank you."
The hard work they put in was appreciated and admired by everyone.
"It was probably the most life changing experience I've ever had," reflected Aguilar.
Rockhurst organized a January service trip to New Orleans, providing assistance where they could. In all nine students participated. From there it was on to the Big Easy to make friends as well as a difference in the lives of others.
The week-long trip focused on working alongside a volunteer organization, the Phoenix of New Orleans, Louisiana. Staff and students were split into different groups.
"We had some people on gutting and landscape, others on electrical and putting up walls, and a group doing mudding at another house," commented freshman Carmen Aguilar.
After such an experience, students and faculty became closer friends, working hard to aid others.
"Everybody learned something new, and the experience of doing service created a bond among the students," stated Katie Bennett, Rockhurst staff.
Senior Rosemary Hart weighed in on her impressions from the humbling experience.
"They [the families] all wanted to meet us and thank us for the work we were doing. Even the police driving by on their rounds would honk and wave to us as a thank you."
The hard work they put in was appreciated and admired by everyone.
"It was probably the most life changing experience I've ever had," reflected Aguilar.
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