In late fall 2015, a group of volunteers started meeting regularly to discuss how to help young citizens and families better engage with the civic aspects in our community. They identified a need for a united service day that could bridge generations with the common mission to serve.
About this same time, the Goddard High School, Eisenhower High School, and Goddard Academy student council leaders met for a retreat with Superintendent Dr. Justin Henry. During that session, the students each expressed a desire to lead a cause that all students could jointly support in a spirit of service. Neighbors United came to be, and the first event took place on April, 23, 2016. For seven years, USD 265 students have helped lead Neighbors United, serving over 150 projects in need with over 6000 volunteer hours and countless contributions from area businesses and organizations.
This year's Neighbors United was led by the students from Goddard Academy.
“Leadership, gratitude, organization, and public speaking skills were some of the many life skills these students learned during this event. We are proud that the Leadership Council at Goddard Academy wanted an opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to them!” - Brian Gee, Goddard Academy Principal.