Hesston College honored MLK Day through community service projects

In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day last week, Hesston College students, faculty and staff dedicated themselves to serving the local community by participating in more than a dozen service projects throughout Hesston and Newton.

Students and employees partnered with local organizations, nonprofits and community members to complete a wide range of projects focused on meeting practical needs and strengthening community connections. Projects included making hygiene kits for Mennonite Central Committee, assisting STEAMwSeniors at Hesston Area Senior Center, outdoor work at Camp David International, washing dishes at Hesston Mennonite Church, cleaning and window painting at Hesston Public Library, helping Newton Community for Racial Justice run an escape room at the Newton Public Library, supporting Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton, aiding in campus facilities cleanup efforts, as well as yard work for area homeowners.

The service projects were organized by Michele Hershberger, campus pastor and faculty member, as a way to honor Dr. King’s legacy by putting his call to service, justice and community engagement into action.

“When we gathered as a whole community on the opening day of spring semester, we talked about self-righteous service versus true service,” Michele explained. “Our goal for January 19 was to serve like Dr. King served, as people willing to serve every day and as people showing honor to those we serve, respecting every person. Dr. King saw service as a lifestyle. We want to be like that, too.”

Students’ collective efforts demonstrated a shared commitment to learning beyond the classroom while contributing positively to the wider community.

Local farm owner Rachel Horst was one of several community members on the receiving end of these efforts. Her son Andrew Horst, a ʼ97 graduate of Hesston College, made a special trip to Hesston to help direct volunteers and expressed his gratitude to see the next generation of Larks involved in the community.

“I live in California. It’s hard for my mom to do all this work,” he shared. “This is one of the things that is special about the college and the kind of thing that I remember. It’s that folks show up, and even if it's just picking up sticks, that really means something and that's how we can make this warm energized place that we can all share in.”

The MLK Day service projects are part of Hesston College’s ongoing emphasis on Dr. King's values of civic duty and leadership by example. By engaging in service, students are encouraged to develop leadership skills, empathy and a deeper understanding of their role in creating positive change in their local communities.