By Julia Seeley and Sarah VanEpps, Grade 7

On Friday, April 20th some 6th, 7th and 8th graders went to Schenectady to clean up debris from Hurricane Irene. They spent the day picking up trash, mulching and raking leaves.  8th grader Molly Wood had this to say of the experience, “I feel good about helping people and getting to meet the affected citizens. ”

One homeowner had shared: “I was in the house when the water started coming.  It was overwhelming, having to be rushed out.  It was scary to be trapped.  The only way out was by boat.”  Another homeowner had talked about the fact that nobody slept the night of the flood and at 9:30 a.m. on that Monday the water had came from the canal the water level was up to the front door of his house.

7th grader Emily South had helped out the day after the flood and seen the devastation.  She was glad to come back and find things were in better condition and happy she could help out.