During October 13-18, 2024, a group of students from Collegedale Academy traveled to North Carolina to help after destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. The fifth-deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, Helene hit the South between September 26-29 and caused catastrophic flooding and widespread destruction throughout Appalachia, especially in rural areas. Determined to help, the CA and other organizations jumped into action, collecting funds, food, water, and other supplies for those affected.
Mr. Peel organized a group of staff and student volunteers to help distribute supplies and clear debris. They stayed in the lower level of the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Throughout the week, the team cleared fallen trees from multiple homes and packed non-perishable food into boxes at a Point of Distribution (POD). Every morning and evening, a different mission trip leader held worship for the group.
Despite the long hours of hard work, the group had moments for downtime, whether through refreshing water breaks or evening cornhole tournaments. Mealtimes, prepared by Mrs. Alvarez, were also an opportunity for the students to get to know each other better. Many students reported bonding well with each other regardless of grade or popularity.
Mr. Peel explains that he planned the trip because he has seen firsthand the impact a disaster recovery trip has on students. He also believes that all mission trips have value, wherever the location. “Mission trips that don’t go overseas are still important because there are just as many needy people in America as in any other country,” he says. Mr. Van Dolson, who was also on the trip, reiterated that idea. “it may be easier for students to go on a domestic mission trip rather than going overseas. There’s more to life than playing games and doing things yourselves, so students should go on mission trips.”
After Fall Break, mission trip participants shared about their experience in chapel, hoping to inspire other students. There were multiple testimonies from those they helped who praised students for their hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to help others. Students were able to clear trees and other debris that could have taken homeowners an inordinate amount of time and money to clean up on their own. The whole CA team was thrilled to be able to demonstrate what it meant to “love thy neighbor” in action as well as words.
Senior Amber Mayr’s favorite aspect of the trip was getting to know fellow students better. “I made new friendships, rekindled old ones, and adopted a few freshmen,” she shares. “I think other students should go on mission trips even if they don’t go overseas, because they’ll befriend people they wouldn’t have otherwise. There’s something different about getting to know someone when you’re both helping others.”
9th graders Brooke Simulis and Mariah Turner help clear brush.
Senior Amber Mayr helps with relief efforts.
