In a close-knit community like Wayne, there are many opportunities to better the area, as well as many eager citizens.  

Zeta Tau Omega, a sorority on campus, is taking initiative by participating in a highway clean-up.  

This event takes place once every semester, and on Apr. 18, the sorority members will hit the road to clean up a small section of the highway. 

“We split into groups, and then meet halfway to indicate that we’re done,” Zeta Tau Omega President Diana Garcia said. 

This is a much-needed service as the weather gets warmer. During the winter months, people tend to have no problem throwing trash and other items into them. Once the snow melts, it is a repulsive sight. The debris rears its ugly head and can harm our ecosystem.  

Highway clean-ups can tend to have negative associations such as community service for a small-scale crime or an underappreciated highway job.  

However, Zeta Tau Omega decides to battle this negativity and help the city of Wayne. 

“Highway pickup is just one of the ways we can give back to the community to show our appreciation for their support of the college and sorority,” Zeta Tau Omega philanthropy head Bree Geschke said. 

In addition to supporting the community, members can grow closer together and form tighter friendships. 

A sorority like Zeta Tau Omega is meant to bring women closer together, and volunteer work is one way to do that. The Zeta Tau Omega members manage to make the day a special one for each other. 

“It takes a while, but sometimes some girls bring speakers and play music,” Garcia said. 

As they make the trek across the highway, the members can find joy in serving the community and building stronger relationships, cementing the values of sisterhood that come with a sorority.  

“It’s a great bonding experience for our active and our pledge sisters, and we find ways to make it fun,” Garcia said.