Service Crew Organizes a Campus Clean-Up

On a bright, cool Saturday morning, the Service Crew met at the courtyard with gloves, rakes, and a long list of small jobs. The student-led group had planned the clean-up for weeks, mapping out which garden beds needed clearing and which walkways had collected the most fallen leaves. By the time the sun was fully up, the campus was humming with quiet, cheerful work.

Teams fanned out across the grounds, each taking responsibility for a different area. A group led by Harper J. cleared the raised beds near the entrance and tucked in fresh mulch, while another team raked the paths and filled bag after bag with leaves. Younger crew members took charge of the recycling station, sorting and stacking with surprising determination.

Ms. Priya Raman, who advises the crew, said the morning was as much about belonging as it was about tidying up. "They take care of this place because it feels like theirs," she said, handing out water and second pairs of gloves. "That sense of ownership is the whole point." She made a point of thanking each team by name before they moved on to their next task.

When the work wound down near midday, the crew gathered for a group photo and a round of well-earned snacks. Together they had cleared several beds, raked the main walkways, and left the courtyard looking noticeably brighter. The crew is already planning a spring follow-up, this time with new plantings, and a few members volunteered to design the garden layout.