Beacon Middle School students and staff recently spent a day giving back to the Cape Region through hands-on service projects. Participants fanned out to sites in Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks, the City of Rehoboth Beach and Town of Dewey Beach, and campuses at Love Creek Elementary, Cape High and Beacon.

The day provided students with meaningful opportunities to strengthen community connections and develop a deeper appreciation for the area's signature natural resources.

In the state parks, students took part in beach cleanups, met with park employees and learned about the local ecosystem, especially how to maintain balance between environmental preservation and community development.

At Cape High, students participated in activities centered on promoting kindness, school pride and future opportunities. Led by  high school FFA students, seventh-graders created and signed a community kindness banner to be displayed in the building and painted kindness rocks to be distributed throughout the Cape community. They also learned about educational and leadership opportunities available through the Cape High FFA program.

Working alongside Dewey Beach Lions Club members, students contributed to community beautification efforts by cleaning beaches, public spaces and roadways around town. They also learned about the Lions Club’s long history of service and its ongoing commitment to supporting residents and local initiatives.

At Love Creek and Beacon, students dedicated their time to enhancing school campuses, working on grounds maintenance, organizing athletic facilities  and assisting with campus improvement efforts. They also spent time reading with younger students, fostering positive connections across grade levels, and demonstrating the value of mentorship and service.

The group serving the City of Rehoboth Beach met Mayor Stan Mills, who spoke with students about civic duty and responsibility. Students were able put that lesson into action by casting votes on real issues that have come before the city in recent meetings. Participants pitched in to clean debris from the beach and boardwalk, met with a representative from the junior lifeguard program, and planted loblolly pine and oak saplings in Central Park to support the city's green spaces. The day wrapped up with a visit to the Rehoboth Beach Museum, where students explored historical artifacts and created a time capsule to preserve their own memories for future generations.

"Give Back Day is one of the most meaningful experiences our students have the opportunity to participate in, because it teaches them that they have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others," said Dr. Kathleen Sheehan, Beacon principal. "By serving throughout our community, students gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassion, responsibility and civic engagement. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our school and demonstrated that part of leadership is about serving others."