WEIRTON - More than 20 students from Weirton Madonna High School spent several days in Baileysville, W.Va. to build and repair homes of the less fortunate.
As part of the Lend-a-Hand for Appalachia, students were invited to sign up for the school's 16th annual trip to a southern West Virginia community to assist those in need. Students traveled from Weirton to Baileysville on June 7 and returned on Tuesday.
Seniors Libby McFadden and Sara Lyons said it was their second trip with the program and they had a great time helping others. They said the program has been growing and this year there were students who had to be turned away.
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More than 20 students from Weirton Madonna High School participated in the Lend-a-Hand for Appalachia program. It was the school's 16th annual trip to southern West Virginia where students spent several days in Baileysville, W.Va. to build and repair homes of the less fortunate. -- Angelina Dickson
"We helped at three locations with renovating a roof, building a ramp and a lot of other things," said McFadden. "It was the best experience and I recommend students go during their freshman years and continue through their senior year."
Senior Alan "Franchise" Green said this was also the second time he had participated in the Lend-a-Hand for Appalachia. He said it is a life-changing experience students at Weirton Madonna shouldn't miss.
Green said some of the people in his group helped tear down a ceiling and put up insulation, remodel a bathroom and helped put a roof over a porch at a residence where the homeowner was shut-in because of a bout of cancer which left her unable to get out of the house much.
Of all the things, Gaby Kotten said she valued the friendships created during the trip. She said students were placed in a situation without technology and had to rely on each other for fun.
"I was scared at first but it's one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life so far," said the first-timer. "I am so glad I decided to do this and hope the program continues to grow."
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
