On Thursday, Oct. 3, Stillwater High School freshmen traded in their textbooks for rakes, trash bags, pencils, and scrub brushes to venture into Saratoga County as part of Give Back Day. Assigned to different locations in the area, students devoted their time and energy to helping the Stillwater community that supports them every day.

Give Back Day has been a longstanding tradition at Stillwater High School, designed to promote volunteerism and community service among students while fostering connections with the local community. The Class of 2028 cleaned up multiple sites in the village and town, created posters for the upcoming fall festival, visited residents at the Peregrine Memory Care Center, and enhanced the grounds at Saratoga National Cemetery.

“The best part of the day was honoring those who bravely fought for our country,” said ninth-grader Alexandra L., who contributed to the cleanup efforts at Saratoga National Cemetery.

Additional Give Back Day sites included the community trail and local parks, the Stillwater Community Center and the Stillwater Library. Faculty members oversaw each location, while senior student volunteers guided and worked alongside groups of freshmen. The bright sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures created an ideal working environment, allowing the Class of 2028 to focus on their tasks and achieve their goals.

“Cleaning up for the community was a rewarding experience,” said senior Ashley C., who replaced several flower beds in town.

Freshman Jonah K. also reflected on the day saying, “I enjoyed being with people I don’t normally hang out with.”

By taking part in Give Back Day, ninth-grade students gain valuable insight into the meaning of community and the powerful impact small gestures, such as cleaning up the town, can have. Through teamwork and sustained collaboration, students will continue to build connections with the Stillwater community to create the foundation for a lifetime of service.