SPHS Interact Members volunteered to improve looks of fire hall — Photo: South Pittsburg Mtn. VFD

Eight students from the Interact Club at South Pittsburg High School recently volunteered their time to complete a landscaping and beautification project at the South Pittsburg Mountain Volunteer Fire Department fire station.

The project took place May 9 following recent repainting efforts at the station. According to organizers, the students arrived early on a Saturday morning ready to work and spent more than three hours transforming an overgrown and neglected area into a newly landscaped flower bed for the community.

The students involved in the project included Cameron Rutledge, Serenity Parrish, Katie Ables, Maddie Griffith, Demond Scales, Conner Kilgore, Tre Jones, and Kinsley Baugh. The group was accompanied by Interact Club sponsors Elizabeth Mount and Mary Katherine Dawkins.

Firefighter Michael Martin helped guide the students through the project, which included excavation, installing landscaping fabric, planting flowers and bushes, mulching, and cleanup. Organizers said the students planted several flowers and bushes throughout the 170-square-foot flower bed.

Officials praised the students for their teamwork, accountability, and willingness to serve the community. The group was affectionately nicknamed “The Great Eight” for their efforts and dedication throughout the project.

In addition to hands-on landscaping experience, organizers said the students also gained valuable skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership.

The project was made possible through support from the Marion County Rotary Club, including a $500 donation from project sponsor Louise Powell. Jeff Robertson also assisted students throughout the day by helping supervise and guide the work effort.

Officials with the fire department expressed gratitude to the students, sponsors, and community partners for helping improve the appearance of the station and investing in the local community.