AUGUSTA, Ga. — Virginia Tech students are making the most of their Spring Break this week by assisting Augusta residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The group of students, who are on break from March 8 to March 15, decided to put their time to good use by helping those in need of support in the community.

The volunteer effort is part of an ongoing initiative linked to the Ryan Clark Scholarship, which aims to honor the legacy of Ryan Clark through community service-based scholarships. According to a spokesperson for the scholarship, this mission of service perfectly aligns with the students’ actions during their break.

Founded in 2008, the Ryan Clark Scholarship was established following the tragic Virginia Tech massacre on April 16, 2007, in which Ryan Clark, a senior at the university and a graduate of Lakeside High School, was among 32 victims. The scholarship was created to commemorate Clark’s life and the bravery displayed during the tragic event, as well as to continue his legacy of service and community involvement.

The Virginia Tech students’ participation in the cleanup efforts in Augusta reflects the scholarship’s commitment to fostering the values Ryan Clark held dear. By choosing to give their time to help others during their break, these students are carrying on a tradition of giving back to communities in need, much like Clark did in his own life.

The efforts to clean up debris left by Hurricane Helene are not only a practical response to the immediate damage caused by the storm but also serve as a symbol of unity and service that continues to inspire both the Virginia Tech community and the residents of Augusta.