BY:  EMILY MEADOWS
 
The week of April 6 through April 11, the Stephen Decatur Chapter of Habitat for Humanity traveled to Clemson, South Carolina to participate in the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge.
 
Traveling over ten hours to work on the construction of a Habitat House was club advisor, Deanna Yensen joined by fellow colleague Sharon Pilarski, and students, Sarah Votta, Veronica Foelber, Nick Ridgeway, Derrick Oliver, Emily Meadows, and Katie Rosinski.  Not only participating in the Collegiate Challenge, each student will be receiving the Presidential Service Award for completing over one hundred hours of community service.  The group was fortunate enough to stay in the newly constructed Clemson First Baptist Church and worked every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The students worked on electric wiring, putting up siding, installing windows, building access doors and stairs, along with many other activities.  In addition to working the group traveled to the Clemson Botanical Garden, the Twin Falls, and were invited to dinners every night by local area churches. 
 
Students fundraised throughout the school year with Pancake Breakfasts at Buxy's Salty Dog and selling RADA Cutlery.  The organization also sets a mission to be advocates for poverty in local schools and churches.  The group enjoyed every minute of their trip and hope to inspire other students to participate in the worthwhile program next year.