Derick Acheampong
Staff Writer
For the third year in a row, Cameron partnered with the City of Lawton to conduct a Day in the Park where volunteers helped give a facelift to some local parks on Oct. 8.
Cameron students registered as either an individual or with an organization at the Office of Campus Life to participate in the volunteer work.
Director of Campus Life Leslie Cothren said with resources and a great number of participants, beautifying the park becomes much easier and faster.
“This year is a lot of painting,” Cothren said, “So a little help from our students, ten people at each park for four hours could get a lot done.”
Cothren said most volunteers are from student organizations who are interested in impacting the society they live in and also as a form of sight-seeing for students who does not reside here.
“I think it’s important for us at Cameron to realize we are part of a larger community,” she said. “I also think it’s a good way for students who haven’t been in the neighborhood before & won’t be there again to realize that they did that work in that park and made the neighborhood good.”
In cases where the project is not completed, Cothren said participants regroup later and try to complete the project another day.
The Greek Council volunteered their time at Highland cemetery painting the fence. Greek Council representative and member of Alpha Sigma Phi Benjamin Spores said that not only does volunteering benefit the community, but it also foster friendships.
“It’s nice to see people come out cleaning and helping,” Spores said. “It’s really nice to come out and grab a paint brush and paint with your Greek buddies.”
Site coordinator and president of Omega Zeta Theta Alexandra Kolinski also helped with painting at the cemetery and said the service is part of Greek life’s commitment to give back to the community.
“One of the biggest things about being Greek is helping your community and school be a better place.” Kolinski said. “We are also helping to put Cameron’s name out there saying ‘Cameron Greek supports Lawton also’.”
Leon McGhee, the administrator and supervisor of field operations at the Highland Cemetery said he is glad that people are making a positive impact and encourages more volunteers to join the cause.
“It gives me joy in my heart to see volunteers come and be a service to the community,” McGhee said. “Volunteers are needed around Lawton. Give a little bit, and it will be given back to you”