MSU TALONS Trade Spring Break for Service Work
While many students use spring break to recharge, a group from Morehead State University's TALONS program spent the week engaged in hands-on service work in the community.
This "alternative spring break" was organized by Coordinator of Service-Learning Andrew Sexton (2020, 2022) and supported by grant funding from the EngageKY+ Volunteer Generation Fund. The program allowed students to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience outside the classroom.
"The dedication and hard work these students demonstrated over their spring break is truly inspiring," said Sexton. "We are incredibly grateful to Christian Appalachian Project for providing this transformative service experience. Their commitment to supporting communities in Southeast Kentucky, especially those impacted by devastating weather events, is invaluable. Our students not only gained practical skills but also a deeper understanding of the importance of service and the resilience of the region."
MSU students Jasmine Smith (sophomore, computer sciences & information systems major, Walton), Jonah Caudill (freshman, music major, Jackson, Ohio), Jackie Renfro (freshman, computer science major, Booneville), and Emily Lowe (freshman, veterinary science major, Louisa) spent their break serving with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP).
An interdenominational nonprofit based in Southeast Kentucky that provides hunger and poverty relief, home repair, and disaster recovery services. While building a ramp for a homeowner in need, these students also built essential career skills—strengthening their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication abilities.
"I will never forget my time during this spring break. Everyone made us feel welcome in the new environment. Over four days, we built an 11-foot-tall, 160-foot-long ramp for a homeowner in need. Completing it gave me the most fulfilling feeling I’ve had since graduating high school,” said Caudill. “I truly believe we made a difference in people's lives. It was exhausting work, but by the time we were done, our excitement made the fatigue disappear. We were surrounded by incredible people who made it all possible, and I can't wait to return next spring — hopefully with some new faces."
CAP hosts alternative break experiences for college and high school students through its WorkFest and YouthFest programs, offering students the chance to make a tangible difference in communities across Appalachia.
"We were incredibly impressed by the initiative and dedication shown by the Morehead State University students during their time with Christian Appalachian Project," said Gracie Smith, Mission Group Facilitator at CAP. "Each student contributed 50 hours of service, totaling an amazing 200 hours of hands-on support for a community member in need. Their willingness to step up, work hard, and make a lasting impact was truly inspiring. We would be thrilled to welcome more MSU student groups in the future and continue fostering these meaningful service experiences."
For more information about the Center for Career Development and Experiential Education, call 606-783-2233 or email careerservices@moreheadstate.edu.
For more information about MSU’s TALONS Program, please contact Senior Instructor of Communication Randy Manis (2006, 2008) at r.manis@moreheadstate.edu.
