Redmond, Ore. – On Veterans Day, students from Redmond Proficiency Academy put faith in action by completing hands‑on service projects for local veterans. The effort, organized through the year‑round RPA Cares Initiative, gave middle‑schoolers a chance to assemble hygiene kits while high‑schoolers spent the day working alongside veterans at the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch.
Middle‑school project builds care kits
Sixth‑grade teacher Sommer Kirk led a group of middle‑school students in packing more than 100 hygiene and support bags for Central Oregon Veterans Outreach. Students sorted donated items, filled each bag, and added artwork and personal thank‑you notes. “I think many students have connections to veterans, so it’s something that they already care about,” Kirk said, noting how the activity helped students translate compassion into concrete help.
High‑schoolers lend a hand at the veterans ranch
Twenty‑five high‑school students traveled to the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, where they assisted veterans and volunteers with general gardening and winterizing garden beds. The day also included time for conversation, allowing students to hear veterans’ stories, meet the ranch dogs and share a group lunch they prepared. Senior Ella Simone described the experience as “really fun” and valuable for learning from veterans’ experiences.
School emphasizes values and community ties
Communications coordinator Lilianna Wagner highlighted the organic connections that formed during the service day, adding that students were already asking when they could return. The projects align with the academy’s core values of respect, engagement and growth, and demonstrate the school’s commitment to personalized instruction that links students with community partners.
Redmond Proficiency Academy thanked Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, and the many community members who donated supplies and volunteered their time. The school continues to seek opportunities for students to serve and develop leadership skills throughout the year.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
