Bridget Hughes spends Spring Break volunteering in Biloxi, Miss.

2015 Mar 26

Bridget Hughes of Avon is one of 41 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who gave up 2015 Spring Break week to make a difference through BW's Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated four diverse trips with student volunteers traveling to Roanoke, Va.; Kissimmee, Fla.; Miami, Fla. and Biloxi, Miss. A BW student led each trip, with a University faculty or staff advisor providing support.

Hughes, a graduate of Avon High School majoring in English with a focus on creative writing, volunteered to take part in the Alternative Break trip to Biloxi, Miss. The trip was spent in partnership with Community Collaborations International. CC International is celebrating 10 years of service to communities on the Gulf Coast. The BW junior worked on environmental projects in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina and other recent natural and human-caused disasters. Many of the projects focused on restoring shorelines, sea grass, dunes and public land. Other projects included native plant propagation, wildlife habitat improvement, storm water treatment, and invasive species removal. Hughes also served as the trip leader with support from graduate intern, Sarah Thaxton.

The Alternative Break service program at BW provides students the opportunity to spend their breaks serving with other students. It's a great way to make a difference, travel to other cities, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. Trips focus on direct service, teamwork, reflection, education and fun. Alternative Break is one of many community service programs organized by the University's Office of Community Outreach to support BW's mission of creating contributing, compassionate citizens.