Sommer Woodward
The cleanup and beautification of Ross-Mayes Cemetery wouldn’t be possible without the help of Thunderbird Youth Academy cadets.
Twice a year, the cadets come to the cemetery and help pick up rocks, rake leaves, burn brush, build flower beds and assist with other projects at the cemetery.
Marian Henson and Jeannie Ball, cemetery volunteers, said the work the cadets do for the cemetery is so helpful.
“They do real good helping to make our cemetery look nice,” said Henson. “We’re real proud of them.”
She said the cadets are always mannerly and willing to do whatever is asked of them.
Last fall, the cadets helped build flower beds, which the volunteers try to keep looking nice all year.
Henson said she would like to see the community become more involved in the cemetery cleanup days.
Greg’s Port-a-Potty brings an outhouse for volunteers.
Henson and Ball buy hot-dogs and marshmallows for the cadets.
As a way to say thanks, donations for a scholarship are being taken for the cadet with the most merits.
Merits are given for anything positive for which the cadets are recognized.
Only cadets with seven or more merits were chosen to participate in the cleanup at the cemetery.
The cadets at this cleanup included Bartlett, Bennett, Bogle, Dunnagan, Avila, Portilloz, Ward, Scott, Steidley, Terry, Underwood and Hood, who had earned the most merits as of March 31.
