With sleeves rolled up and textbooks set aside, the Stillwater High School Class of 2029 ventured into Saratoga County on Thursday, Oct. 9, for Freshmen Give Back Day. Assigned to different locations throughout the area, students demonstrated their thanks and appreciation for the community that supports them every day.
An annual tradition, Freshmen Give Back Day supports the district’s goal of building and maintaining strong connections with the Stillwater community. The event encourages students to engage in volunteerism and community service while fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging. This year, the Class of 2029 cleaned multiple sites in the village and town, created posters for the fall festival, spent time with seniors at the Saratoga Senior Center and mucked fields at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.
“I enjoyed the bonding this experience gave us. It was a perfect opportunity to give back to our community, to the people and the animals,” said freshman Ada G., who volunteered at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.
Senior Tessa Miller, who spent the day at the same location, added “Throughout the day, we worked together to help with chores around the farm. I also built friendships and created wonderful memories with the people in my group.”
Additional sites included the Arvin Hart Fire Department station, Saratoga National Cemetery, and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Staff members oversaw each location, while senior student volunteers guided and worked alongside groups of freshmen. The bright sunshine and crisp fall air created an ideal setting, allowing the Class of 2029 to complete their tasks while enjoying a beautiful autumn day.
“Freshmen Give Back Day has always been special to me,” said senior Broghan F., who helped organize jockey shirts at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. “The [museum] was really cool— getting to handle the artifacts and learn about the history of horse racing was awesome. The staff were also very friendly and appreciative of our help.”
Freshman Ryen W. also reflected on his experience saying, “It was really fun to help out at the [Stillwater Public] Library, and I would love to do it again.”
Freshmen Give Back Day is more than just a day of volunteering and community service; it is ingrained in the culture of the Stillwater Central School District and serves as a value for students to carry forward. Moreover, the event helps students understand how even small acts—like cleaning up the town—can make a meaningful impact. As students build on this experience throughout their time in the district, they develop civic skills that will guide them into adulthood and foster a lifelong commitment to community service.
