Woodford County has a variety of volunteering and community service opportunities which allow its students to give their time to bettering local life.
On January 18th, 2025, for instance, Woodford County Middle School hosted a Special Olympics basketball event. Six teams from all over Kentucky participated. One of the teams, The Shamrocks, was coached by Will Seitz—a WCHS graduate. Other coaching staff for this team include Nolan Asher, Cole Humston, Sam Hash, Charlie Gatewood, and Blake Bishop, all of which spend their days in Woodford’s halls. When asked about what made this event unique, coach Sam Hash stated that “It was definitely run to give the players the best possible and memorable experience.” According to the coaches, the team has been a fantastic way for students to volunteer and help their community while participating in an event they are passionate about.
On September 17th, 2024, UK Health Care hosted a teen volunteer summer program. When the program’s heads were asked about her experience, it was detailed, “We both worked in the gift shop in the morning, and Bijou handled wayfinding in the afternoon, while I delivered gifts, flowers, and mail to the patients’ rooms”.
“Participating in the delivery of mail and flowers to patients around the hospital was a life-changing experience. Being able to talk to patients who have been through tragic experiences gave me perspective on how lucky I am. It was so gratifying to walk through the door and see their faces light up when they received flowers or gifts from loved ones”.
“Wayfinding was helping patients or patients’ families find their way around the hospital. I had a lot of fun volunteering as a Wayfinder because I got to help so many people and see the entire hospital and its offers.”It was truly eye-opening for me to interact with patients and hear their stories. Being a part of their experience at a hospital and bringing joy to their day by simply walking in with something as small as flowers was truly gratifying”. Therefore, these volunteering opportunities have made a significant impact on the community.
