High School Senior Trip Focuses On Giving Back to Those In Need
Finney Students Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity:
Project in New Orleans

When the twenty-six students from the Finney senior class recently returned from their class trip to New Orleans, they carried back with them more than their luggage and a few souvenirs. They brought back lasting memories of the sights and sounds of the city that was horrifically demolished by one of our nation's worse natural disasters. Etched in their minds are vivid images of the faces of the people whose lives were affected. The trip was specifically focused on having the students volunteer to build a new home for a family who was displaced by Hurricane Katrina through Habitat for Humanity.

"Even though it has been nearly two years, I was still overwhelmed by the vast destruction and devastation left by the storm," remarked Finney Chaplin Greg Palmer. He and his wife Cheryl were among the six chaperones that accompanied the students on their trip. "What impressed me the most was the hope and positive attitude displayed by the people we met."

One resident, who lived in the only finished house on the street where the Habitat House was being built, told them that he became hopeful when he saw streetlights reappear. That was an indication that his neighborhood was finally coming back. Another victim, who was on the Habitat for Humanity staff said that after she was forced to evacuate, one of her main thoughts was that she wanted to get back so that she could begin to rebuild the city.

Palmer stated that the students worked extremely hard and were very dedicated to the project. In fact, at one point he asked if they wanted to take a break to do some sightseeing. Student Erica Schiller's response was that she did not want to give up any personal time, at that point, so that she could continue to work on the house. Valyn Reed-Crenshaw also asked one of the Habitat supervisors if it would be possible for her to come back at some point so that she could volunteer again.

Palmer did emphasize that the kids did find some time to have some fun. "We visited the French Quarter and took a swamp tour where they had a chance to get up-close and personal with 'Joe', a twelve-foot alligator and even a snapping turtle."

There is no doubt that this is one experience that will long be remembered by the students. "There was this incredible display and sense of camaraderie, unity, and humbleness among the kids," said Palmer. "We know that with God's help, New Orleans will again be restored. One thing is for sure. Our kids can honestly say that through their efforts, they truly had a hand in helping to rebuild people's lives. And that is something of which they can always be proud."