The Athens Drive chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) started a new service project this year in which students volunteer each morning. They provide coffee and pastries for the school custodians, in a week-long commitment.

“This project was inspired after the participation in the custodian and bus driver appreciation week we had last year,” said Aiden Gross, NHS senior representative.

The week-long project provided coffee for bus drivers and custodians. Once the week had finished, custodians expressed their gratitude and were interested in continuing the program. At the start of this school year, Tyler Latta, NHS co-advisor, suggested that the program carry on. Soon after, Gross took over the project setup.

“NHS [volunteers are] invited to sign up for a week-long commitment,” said Gross. “After signing up for your designated week, you’d come in for your assigned week.”

Students come in each morning before school begins to prepare the coffee machine. They set it to brew later, ensuring freshness once the custodians arrive. Volunteers can also bring in pastries for custodians to earn extra hours towards their yearly requirement for the NHS.

“I’ve seen impacts on the chapter members. Being able to give back in such a small way that means a lot to people who do so much for our school is satisfying,” said Gross.

“It’s amazing! The first coffee I get in the morning is here because I stopped drinking coffee at home. We have it over here,” said Fernando Ruiz, custodian.

Ruiz shares his love for morning coffee. He jokes that his daily caffeine intake has certainly increased as a result of the project.

“The first [cup] is to wake up. Second cup is to get energy, and the best one, guess what? It’s because I love coffee,” said Ruiz.

Ruiz is one of the most loved staff members at Athens. Whether he’s waving at those who pass, or stopping to talk and sharing many jokes with students, Ruiz is always around.

By volunteering for morning coffee duty, students not only receive service hours, but also learn how to better commit to what they set their minds to.

“It makes students responsible and fulfill their commitments which ultimately is a pillar of NHS,” said Gross.

Lauren Latta, co-advisor, shares her hope that the program will continue each school year through careful planning of volunteer sign-up. Interested NHS members can be on the lookout for openings in the signup form. They can also bring in pastries to share with staff for additional service hours.

“They’ve had pastries every week too,” said Latta.
Through the donations of sugar and creamer from the co-advisors, and coffee grounds purchased with donations towards NHS, members are confident in the program’s future.

“They love our coffee. They’re so grateful… It makes me feel so appreciated,” said Latta.