In honor of Lakeside graduate, Virginia Tech students help clean debris
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s been nearly six months since the CSRA was hit by Hurricane Helene.
It’s also been nearly 18 years since Lakeside High School graduate Ryan Clark died in the Virginia Tech massacre.
Two hard times in our area.
On Tuesday, students from Virginia Tech came to Augusta to make a positive change and help clean up after Helene’s damage.
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The students are on Spring Break from March 8 through the 15 and have decided to help those in need.
“This effort directly aligns with The Ryan Clark Scholarship’s mission to honor the legacy of Ryan Clark through community service-based scholarships,” a spokesperson for the scholarship said.
The Ryan Clark Scholarship was founded in 2008 after the Virginia Tech massacre on April 16, 2007, where Ryan Clark, a Lakeside High School Graduate and Graduating Senior at Virginia Tech, was killed amongst 31 other heroes.
We spoke to Ryan Clark’s mom about what all of this means to her.
“Ryan did what you are doing,” said Letitie Clark, Ryan’s mother. “In 2005, Ryan went to New Orleans to help out with Hurricane Katrina. The Hokie pride is so strong, and it’s like truly my family has come to town, and I love you guys so much. Can I just have a hug, please?”
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For a group of Virginia Tech students, this was no ordinary spring break.
“Everyone can give back to the community without a doubt. It’s free,” said Letitie. “Give your heart, give your talents. Everyone has one. So the Ryan Clark scholarship embraces that, and that is what we want to see in our people.”
This week, the group of volunteers met at a heavily damaged house still damaged after Helene.
Ryan’s mother knows her son’s legacy is living through them.
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“A piece of Ryan’s spirit will be in this home. It’s overwhelming, but at the same time, I’m so glad that the people that I know, the people that I call family, are able to help put this life back together,” said Letitie.
For Virginia Tech volunteer Griffin Hatcher, this is so much bigger than a spring break away from home
“It really struck deep when I heard that the Clarks were here and that we were going to meet the family. Just the parallels between Ryan and his service and us and our service for this community mean a lot to me,” said Hatcher.
There is also a 5k this weekend in Ryan’s honor at Lakeside High School.
To find out more information about The Ryan Clark Scholarship and Community Service Award, go to www.ryanstackclark.org.
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