MILL Week (Millers Improving Local Lives) was a charity event that focuses on ‘building better communities together’ through events. Students were encouraged to participate by giving their donations. Every dollar made goes to this year’s recipient; Compassionate Sharing, a non-profit organization where they support those in need by providing many essential resources like transportation services, food and utility assistance.

STUCO took on the task of choosing the MILL Week theme, “Game On, Give Back, Every Move Matters.” Senior Bri Stogsdill explained that the theme was chosen through a collaborative process called “keep scratch” where numerous ideas were brought up and carefully narrowed down.

“We sat down as a class and started working on different theme ideas, and they would say themes that they were interested in,” Stogsdill said. “We go through all the themes after everyone has said something, and we either keep it or scratch it. Then, those get sent off to admin, and admin ultimately has the final say of what they would like to do.”

The entire process from theme selection to student engagement, primarily directed all contributions toward supporting Compassionate Sharing’s mission to provide resources to those in need within the community. Student Council Co-Advisor, Amanda Lyons recollected a time when she needed additional support.

“Not everybody has an easy time, it may be somebody who’s closer to you than you think,” Lyons said. “When I was young, my husband and I had gotten married and just had our child, we were someone who did need help. Anytime that I can give back, whether it’s monetarily or food donations, that’s something that’s really important to me because I’ve been there. Give when you can and you’ll understand how important it is. give back.”