The holiday season is here, and the D.U.C.K.S club (Doers of Unique, Caring, and Kind Services) is well on its way to involvement in the community.

On November 20, select senior citizens from the Highland Senior Center were chosen to visit North Harford High School and experience what it is like to be a student for a day. The seniors were given tours by senior co-presidents Logan Reitz and Drew Vinyard after they were fed a complimentary Thanksgiving meal prepared by the cafeteria staff. During their lunch, guests enjoyed a performance by the Harmonics, and soon after the library was filled with war stories of the seniors’ younger days.

Senior club member Deanna Hyman was one of the volunteers who helped give the tour this year. “This is one of my favorite things that the club does,” said Hyman. “I love hearing all of the stories that the senior citizens tell, and they’re always so excited to come back the next year.”

D.U.C.K.S also participates in an Adopt-a-Family event for Christmas every year. The club sponsors three families in need and together they collect household items and clothing to give to make the holidays a little less stressful.

“We make paper Christmas trees with ornaments saying what items are needed, and people can donate from there,” said Reitz.

Reitz and Vinyard encouraged D.U.C.K.S. members to speak with homerooms around North Harford to gather support for these families. Vinyard, who is also the president of National Honors Society, asked NHS members to also contribute to the gifts and items being gathered by D.U.C.K.S.

Later in the year, the club will take a field trip to Perry Point Veterans Medical Center. Every year, students enjoy playing bingo with the veterans and listening to stories.

“It is an eye opening experience and I’m amazed by the stories people tell me. The Perry Point field trip is such an amazing opportunity,” said Hyman.

In February, students will also make Valentines’ Day cards to send the veterans as a thank you for serving the country.
“The veterans really enjoy the cards we make them, and we just want them to know how much we appreciate their service,” said Reitz.