Students trade sleeping in for CYD

For the second year, Sarasota County students put their week of rest to good use through the Community Youth Development Alternative Spring Break.

More than 100 students volunteered for projects benefiting 10 organizations, such as Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, All Faiths Food Bank, Girls Inc. and Easter Seals of Southwest Florida.

Following a workshop to prepare them for the week, students began work on the first project with Habitat for Humanity March 15. Community Youth Development Director of Programs Suriya Khong joined in for the project that required the students to wake up early.

“I think with all of our programs, we’re helping our students become more engaged and gain confidence through involvement,” Khong said. “They’re also building 21st century skills with this project. We’re also addressing the issues regarding homelessness and affordable housing.”

For the Habitat build, students helped with the exterior walls and trusses of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home — one of three houses on Washington Square that are expected to be completed by May 1.

“Five of the kids I’ve talked to this morning said this is their first time using a hammer,” said Michelle Weger, Habitat for Humanity Sarasota spokeswoman. “I’m impressed by their efforts.”

For senior Robyn Natherson, the decision to join the Alternative Spring Break for her second year was an easy one that made getting up at 6 a.m. worthwhile.

“I told all of my friends to do it, too,” Natherson said. “I don’t find sleeping in in the mornings over spring break to be fulfilling.”

Junior Jonathan Buckley signed up this year for the Alternative Spring Break because he liked the  idea of doing something to make others happy. The opportunities he was most excited to participate in were the Early Learning Coalition and Mote projects.

“It gave me something to do,” Buckley said. “I’ve always wanted to do Habitat for Humanity. I’m learning how to put up walls and drywall.”