Kokomo High School (KHS) proudly celebrated its fifth annual Kats Give Back Day, a cherished tradition that emphasizes community engagement and service.

“We know that strong schools build strong communities, and our partnerships within our community are imperative for our students to thrive academically and socially,” noted Kokomo High School Principal Angela Blessing. “As part of Kokomo School Corporation, we believe that collaboration among students, families, teachers, and the wider community is central to our philosophy, and education thrives through these partnerships.

“It’s great to see our senior students at KHS embrace this initiative and give back to our community. Together, we can inspire and empower all of our students to practice empathy, kindness, and compassion.”

On Oct. 10, nearly 150 KHS seniors dedicated their day to making a positive impact throughout the community and within Kokomo School Corporation’s elementary and middle schools, embodying the spirit of the “Wildkat Way.”

Throughout Kats Give Back Day, KHS seniors visited Kokomo School Corporation elementary and middle schools, engaging with younger Wildkats in meaningful ways. They participated in reading aloud to students and teamed up with middle school student councils to enhance literacy among elementary learners. In addition, KHS seniors assisted with school picture day and book fairs, engaged in interactive learning activities, and facilitated STEM activities and arts programs with transition students. Elementary school principals expressed heartfelt gratitude for the KHS seniors’ efforts.

“Seeing our older Wildkats engage with our younger STEM students is an awesome reminder of the community spirit we value in Kokomo Schools,” shared Maple Crest Elementary School Principal Jason Snyder. “Each of our Wildkats brought enthusiasm and commitment to service, exemplifying the values we hope to instill in all our students.”

Lafayette Park Elementary School Principal Jada McCollum echoed similar sentiments.

“Through internal collaboration and local partnerships, we cultivate a supportive environment, helping our students develop International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile attributes such as inquiry, effective communication, and intercultural understanding. Kats Give Back Day not only enhances learning opportunities for our students but also positively impacts our community.”

The impact of Kats Give Back Day extended beyond classrooms. At the local Humane Society, students volunteered for landscaping and yard work, ensuring the dog yards were well-kept while providing much-needed playtime for the dogs. Seniors also contributed to the Bona Vista community by participating in grounds cleanup and yard work, followed by lunch with the Bona Vista leadership team.

Demonstrating their ongoing commitment to sustainability, students in the KHS Environmental Club focused their efforts on maintaining and cleaning the Wildcat Creek and Foster Park.

Additionally, KHS students helped organize the Magic Closet -- an essential resource providing items to students in need -- highlighting the importance of support within the school community.

During this special day, it was a heartwarming experience for elementary and middle school teachers to welcome back these KHS seniors into the very classrooms where they once learned. The excitement was evident as the faces of younger students lit up with delight while engaging in fun activities with their older peers.

Alongside shared laughter and interactions, there was a strong sense of Wildkat camaraderie through giving back. These meaningful exchanges create lasting memories, inspiring younger students to envision their own futures as they look up to the KHS seniors who once walked the same halls.

Bon Air Middle School Principal LaShaya Williams added, “Kats Give Back Day is more than just a day of service; it’s an opportunity for our students to learn the importance of contributing to their community while connecting generations throughout our schools and city. This initiative enriches relationships and encourages a sense of belonging, reinforcing our message that everyone has a vital role in building a stronger community together.”

Kats Give Back Day continues to reflect the power of community involvement and the dedication of Kokomo High School students and staff. Kokomo School Corporation remains committed to nurturing these vital community connections that enrich the educational experience for all students in Kokomo Schools.