Carlynton SD honors dozens of student volunteers who run district 'free store'

At the March 19 Carlynton School District board meeting, the board and district staff publicly recognized dozens of students for regular volunteer work at the district 'free store.'

Mrs. Campbell and Mr. Alexander led the recognitions. Mrs. Campbell described elementary volunteers who "pack, distribute, stock free store donations, and entertain all of our other volunteers," naming third‑grader Lydia Link and sixth‑grader Bastian Link as regular contributors. She singled out students from Carnegie and Crafton who manage shelving, carts and distribution tasks.

Mr. Alexander highlighted Crafton volunteers Corinne and Brett Cobbler and praised a student fundraiser run with the Carleton Aqua Club Barracudas that produced sizable food donations. He also recognized high‑school volunteers — Dakota Stanley, Raven Sprague, Zoey Gerst and Chloe Kramer — for weekly support, mentoring and organizing distribution bags. The superintendent, Dr. Craig, thanked the volunteers and framed the program as fostering community, philanthropy and leadership skills across grade levels.

Speakers noted contributions from community members, including a substantial food drive by Robbie Coblans and his family, and regular volunteer support from other siblings and students. Board members and administrators encouraged the students and thanked their families and partner organizations for supporting the program.

The recognitions were part of the superintendent's report and were presented early in the meeting; the board later moved on to agenda business including capital projects and routine votes.