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The numbers are pretty eye-opening: more than 1,500 students, 24,000 snack food packs equating 9,000 bounds.

Those were the numbers from Thursday’s snack-packing event, held at Austin High School as part of its Homecoming week. It was estimated that the event would take roughly an hour to pack that much food, but in reality, AHS students packed it all in just over 20 minutes.

Throughout the morning the school spirit was heavy and obvious as students eagerly jumped into the process of packing these snacks that would go into MATTERboxes, which in turn would be used right here in the community.

However, it was more than just school spirit. It was also community spirit. This was the first year that AHS added such a community event on such a scale as part of its Homecoming festivities and we hope it’s a trend  that continues.

Yes, the day resulted in snacks for students that would be used throughout the year. That alone is worthy of acknowledgment, but the day also served as a reminder that students themselves can be a valuable component to the community.

It demonstrated that they can move mountains and do big things and that through their efforts they can exact positive change. This is something students need to know that they are not just going through their time in school on the route for one destination — graduation.

The fact that they took on the duties of Thursday’s event was optimistic in and of itself because it proved that students are willing to take up the challenges when they are placed in front of them.

While, this may not be a regular event going forward, we hope students are inspired to bring it or something similar forward and continue this trend of change in the community.

Once these students understand they have a part to play in the events of the community, then the world opens up to them and the community at large.