Planting. Raking. Weeding. Clearing. Building. Cleaning.

Giving.

About 350 students from Timberlake High School toiled throughout towns, parks and cemeteries Friday during the school's fourth annual Community Appreciation Day. They helped at elementary schools, removed deadfall at Farragut State Park, picked up litter on Highway 41, planted flowers at Spirit Lake City Hall and otherwise contributed their elbow grease to positively impact the greater Spirit Lake, Athol, Bayview and Rathdrum area. 

"It's just a fun way that we can give back to the community and how we can show our respect to all the people," junior Sydney Lauer said as she grabbed up sticks at Athol's Mountain View Cemetery. "Some of these graves are really old. To show respect to the people who were here before us, it's a really nice thing to do to clean it up."

Senior Linley Howard, whose grandparents are buried in Mountain View, wore bright yellow gloves as she helped clear branches from the ground. She said she really likes how Timberlake hosts a community service day.

"It's really sweet," she said.

This annual tradition serves as a lesson in altruism for students.

"The community gives to us and we want to give back to them and be visible," Timberlake Activities Director Catey Walton said.

She said it brings great joy to see the kids in action during service day.

"It's getting bigger and bigger," she said. "At first, kids didn't know what to think and it was small groups. Now, more of our student body are being a part and feeling good about going out into the community."

Senior Daniel Dorman worked with his peers to clear branches from the ground near the visitor's center at Farragut State Park.

"I like hanging out with my buddies, getting to work and helping our community, giving back and stuff," he said.

Freshman Fisher Timmins sported sweet shades as he worked at Farragut.

"It's good to help the community out and for us to be helping people," he said. "It's good to be part of the community."

Junior Caitlyn Bernal was among the team that beautified Mountain View Cemetery.

"For me, why it's so important for community day is because I can actually see my old house right over there. I lived there for 14 years," she said, pointing to the town below. "It's always been important to see everybody come and appreciate not only Spirit Lake, where (the school is), but also our surrounding areas like Athol."

    Timberlake High junior Caitlyn Bernal rakes Friday morning at Mountain View Cemetery in Athol during her school's annual community appreciation day.

    Junior Sydney Lauer gathers twigs Friday morning as she participates in the Timberlake High School Community Appreciation Day at Mountain View Cemetery. About 350 Timberlake students went out into the community to weed, plant, clean, clear and do other needed tasks at local elementary schools, parks and cemeteries.
  

 

    Daniel Dorman, a Timberlake senior, hauls branches Friday morning at Farragut State Park.
  

 

    Senior Linley Howard of Timberlake High School picks up sticks Friday morning at Mountain View Cemetery.