In the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, residents across Alcorn County are still grappling with widespread debris left behind by fallen trees, broken limbs, and scattered foliage. While many longtime residents compared the destruction to historic storms of the past, students at Alcorn Central High School recognized the severity of the storm’s impact and felt called to help their community recover.
Motivated by a desire to serve, more than 50 students joined forces with three teachers to plan, organize, and carry out a community-wide cleanup effort. Students enrolled in College & Career Readiness classes taught by John Mask, Amy Smith, and Bryan Gwatney put their lessons into action as part of the course’s community service and support unit required by state curriculum.
Coach Mask coordinated with elderly, disabled, and widowed residents in the Farmington area to identify properties in need of assistance. With support from members of the East Corinth Baptist Church chainsaw team, students spent several days clearing yards, moving heavy debris, picking up limbs, and raking loose foliage into piles for removal crews.
Safety remained a top priority during the cleanup. Students were equipped with protective gear thanks to a generous donation from Kimberly-Clark, coordinated by Plant Manager Dean Arnold and Process Specialist Riley Mask, who was present with students during the effort.
In addition to assisting four residential properties, students expanded their impact by organizing a community debris cleanup at Farmington Heritage Park on Monday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 17. Farmington Mayor Ricky Fields joined students both days to lend a hand, while Farmington maintenance personnel assisted with operations on Tuesday.
Organizers say the effort not only helped restore parts of the community but also demonstrated the power of service learning and community partnership. Many students began asking when they could serve again exemplifying the empowering impact that this experience had on several students.
School leaders and community members expressed gratitude to the teachers for organizing the initiative, to Kimberly-Clark for providing safety equipment, and to Mayor Fields and local volunteers for supporting recovery efforts. Together, the collaboration made a meaningful difference in helping the Alcorn Central community begin the process of cleaning up and moving forward after the storm.