For the past 2 years, South Serves has been a yearly event intended to help communities around South through acts of service. It has garnered a lot of attention in the past couple of years due to its success and the impact it has had on the community. This year, however, South Serves is not happening, and the decision has left many students and staff members disappointed, confused, and reflective.

Junior Seth Barton was one of many students who were looking forward to South Serves this year. “I’m pretty sad. It’s something I really look forward to,” he said. “Last year, we got to make macaroni and cheese for the homeless people. It was fun.”

For Seth, the event wasn’t just missing a day of school; it was about making a difference for the community. “Definitely, it’s beneficial, because we do all these service projects and some of them have an immediate impact on the community,” he said.

Unlike Seth, other students had mixed feelings. Senior Jacob Ames said, “Personally, it’s kinda nice. I don’t know what we’re gonna be doing instead, but if we have no school, then that’ll be kinda nice.” 

The decision not to do South Serves this year was made by Principal Angie Pappas-Muyco, who said the choice was not taken lightly. “We had a lot of things to consider regarding the day,” she explained. “Cost and attendance being down that day were major factors.”

The event’s cost was substantial. Teacher Mrs Erehart said, “The main costs came from ordering T-shirts for all students, 25 buses to transport students to sites, and the cost of lunches. This past year, we raised over $15,000 in the form of money and supplies to help with the event.”  

Despite the event being exhausting to plan, Anne Erehart mentioned, “The South High Service team members did a great job of assisting where needed, as well as several support staff members who worked diligently throughout the year.”

Even though there will be no South Serves this year, it may not be the actual end of the event.

“The goal is to have South Serves every other year,” Pappas-Muyco said, “so that way each high school student can experience it twice in their high school career.”

Both Pappas-Muyco and Erehart agreed that the event is deeply valuable. “When we work together, good things happen, and the community sees how awesome our students are,” Pappas-Muyco said.

While there may not be backlash on this decision, there has been disappointment and hope for the event’s return.

“Everybody loves South Serves, and it’s really fun for everybody,” said Barton.