Rio Lindo Academy is a living testament of turning the Northern California Conference theme — “Serving the King” — into practical application. In addition to engaging in various other community service activities throughout the year, Rio holds an annual Community Service Day, when an entire school day is devoted to community service. This year, Rio students served at 12 different locations.

More than 60 students and staff spent their day at Leoni Meadows working in the woods and on other projects around the grounds. “Leoni Meadows is one of my favorite places,” said Aric Anderson, a junior at Rio. “I loved spending a day working hard for this place.”

Anton Nicola, a senior, agrees. “Doing hard work is really rewarding for me. It was fun working with friends and accomplishing so much together that could never be done by just one person.”

The 11 other work sites included Highway 101 trash pick up; the Healdsburg Animal Shelter; the Healdsburg Senior Living Center; the Cloverdale Adventist School; several homes of retirees in Healdsburg, Calistoga and Rio; and several locations on the campus.

Community Service Day generated a positive response among the students. Two students were so enthusiastic about their community service project that they returned the following Sunday to complete their wood splitting job for Dudley Galusha of Calistoga. “It was awesome!” said Sam Turner, a junior. “I had fun splitting wood and helping Mr. Galusha. I liked bringing him happiness.”

Jessica Toy, a sophomore, helped at the Cloverdale Adventist School. “It was cool to go back to my old school,” said Toy. “I helped grade papers and take down a bulletin board. I liked volunteering.”

Teachers participating in Community Service Day also gained from the experience, as they enjoyed seeing the spirit of cooperation and usefulness by the students. “The students I had helping me with erosion clean-up and in the eucalyptus grove stayed on task,” said Gottfried Fritz, Rio’s science teacher. “I think it helps to work along side the students. That way they feel confident in what they are doing.”

Students and faculty alike enjoyed devoting their time and energy to the assistance and needs of others. “I strongly believe in the benefits of community service,” said Principal Albert Miller. “I feel it’s important to look outside of ourselves—and doing things for others improves our own characters.”