Muleshoe students get involved in 'LAPD'

Editor’s note: This is the final story in a series of profiles on area high school graduating seniors.

A group of seniors at Muleshoe High School led a program designed to make a difference in their community and school.

Muleshoe began Leaders Advocating a Positive Difference in 2004 to create harmony between classmates. The group was inspired by Rachel’s Challenge, an organization established in honor of Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shootings.

“Rachel’s Challenge influenced me and a lot of other students, said Colby Carpenter, president of LAPD. “We wanted to ensure that Columbine doesn’t happen again. We get to help our community as a group rather than just as an individual, and we hope to make our school a fun and safe place to be.”

The LAPD includes a welcoming committee, led by Corie Ann Black, which introduces new students to the school and sends cards to students and teachers who have had a death in the family. Other LAPD activities include a safe driver’s check in the school parking lot encouraging students to wear seat-belts and a “Mix it up Monday,” where students sit at different lunch tables to help eliminate cliques.

Dana Wright, the LAPD’s faculty sponsor, said the group also works outside of the school. LAPD conducts weekly Meals on Wheels visits to area senior citizens and shut-ins.

“I think it is a really important and valuable opportunity,” said senior Kelsey Tipps, who was in charge of the students’ Meals on Wheels program. “As high school students you really don’t have that much time to devote to charity, as sad as that is, you really don’t. It’s an opportunity to do something really great, and it doesn’t take that much time. It makes their day, and they love to see high school students come to their house.”

Muleshoe has 70 seniors graduating Friday.

Other LAPD senior members include Dusty Clayton, Garrett Riley, Ashley Grumbles, Colt Ellis, Ashley Scolley, Jacy Lawrence and Cailyn Wills.

May 30

Bovina — 7 p.m. (CDT), school auditorium.

Farwell — 8 p.m. (CDT), school auditorium.

Muleshoe — 7 p.m. (CDT), Bailey County Civic Center.