Athletes, teachers team up for Bulldogs Serve Day

RUSSELLVILLE — More than 100 student athletes, teachers and coaches came together recently at Belgreen School to prepare the campus for the new school year during the annual Bulldogs Serve Day.

“Susie Tverberg started Bulldogs Serve Day the first summer I was at Belgreen, five years ago,” said Principal Megean Berryman.

Once the idea was in motion, it quickly took root.

“She came and asked what I thought, and I told her it was a great idea! I was amazed at the number of student athletes who showed up that first summer, and I’m still amazed at how many continue to show up each year.”

That spirit of service was on full display again this year as students tackled projects across campus.

They moved furniture, pulled weeds, picked up sticks, cleaned windows and walls, and helped teachers organize classrooms.

“We continue to have around 100 studentathletes come out to serve,” Berryman said. “Our coaches and teachers pitch in too, which is such a blessing.”

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She said the impact goes far beyond the physical work being done.

“I can’t explain how heartwarming it is to see everyone working hard to get our campus cleaned up for the start of school.”

That effort, she explained, reflects the dedication the staff shows throughout the year.

“I told our student athletes this was a way for them to give back, to serve those who serve them and to show pride in the school that means so much to them and to this community.”

For Berryman, seeing that kind of mutual support reinforces why the event matters.

“It’s truly a blessing to be part of such a special school and community.”

One of the students who participated again this year was her son, Rush Berryman, a 10th grader at Belgreen.

“This Bulldogs Serve was my fourth Serve Day,” he said. “My group weedeated around campus, picked up sticks and picked up trash.”

He said the experience offers more than just physical labor.

“I enjoy Bulldogs Serve because it helps make our campus look better, it helps our teachers get prepared and organized for the coming school year, and it teaches athletes responsibility and how to help others without expecting anything in return.”

Another student, 11th grader Caleigh Lawson, has also been a regular participant since seventh grade. Over the years, she’s helped with a variety of classroom tasks.

“I helped a teacher with organizing her bookshelves and putting together little paper books for her students,” Lawson explained.

She said what she enjoyed most was the chance to connect with teachers and spend time with friends.

“I enjoyed being able to communicate with the teachers and being with my friends to just have a fun time working together and talking to one another.”

Assistant Principal Jacob Sparkman said the event was a team effort, with students pitching in across campus.

“Our male athletes came in the morning and did a lot of the heavy lifting,” Sparkman said. “They helped move furniture, haul off items and clean up the outside of the facility.”

Their help filled in the gaps left by other summer maintenance priorities.

“Our custodial staff has to redo the floors over the summer, so there are a lot of things that don’t necessarily get done otherwise,” he added. “Our kids helped with all of it.”

Sparkman said female student-athletes arrived in the afternoon to assist teachers in their classrooms.

“They helped decorate, clean, put-up supplies — they really helped make it look pretty,” he said. “It was all about giving back to the teachers.”

Alayna Tate helped tear out, fold and separate decodables for the year.

Sparkman said the thing that impressed him most was the students’ attitude throughout the day.

“Not one time did I hear a kid whine or complain,” he said. “These days, a lot of kids don’t experience hard work, but they were up here getting after it — not a negative word all day.”

Sparkman said the program has become something teachers count on each year.

“Our teachers pour so much into these kids, and it means something for students to give back,” he said. “That’s really what life is about — people are going to serve you, but you’ve got to go serve other people.”

For Sparkman, the most powerful moments were seeing students take ownership of their school and embrace the spirit of service.

“As teachers, we don’t always get to see the impact we have,” he said. “But when students come back and help like this, it’s a reminder that they do care.”

That kind of participation, he said, can leave a lasting impression on both students and staff.

“I hope they found some happiness in serving — that they saw what it means to help without expecting anything in return. Don’t just take, take, take. Sometimes you’ve got to give.”