Public schools and students across Georgia participated in a statewide Day of Service on March 18, 2026 – an initiative focused on community connection, real-world learning, and civic responsibility led by 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year Rachel Kinsaul.

Kinsaul, whose theme as Georgia Teacher of the Year is "Rooted in Service," encouraged schools and districts across the state to join her in the Day of Service, engaging students in meaningful service learning and adapting the initiative to needs in their own communities.

"Our first statewide Day of Service was proof that so many teachers have a heart for service and understand the importance of getting students involved with these projects," Kinsaul said. "As the stories began to flood in, I was in awe that so many groups took part in the challenge. I hope this is a project that will continue to grow year after year."

The idea for the Day of Service initiative began in 2019, when Kinsaul – an agricultural science teacher at Morgan County High School – noticed many students had little to no community service experience while completing FFA Degree applications. This realization sparked the Sophomores Serve program at MCHS.

With support from school leadership, the concept evolved into a coordinated, schoolwide effort focused on sophomore students. Over the past five years, Kinsaul has organized the event annually and coordinated with local nonprofits to secure service sites throughout the community. Students are able to choose where they serve – a strategy that builds ownership and enthusiasm for the experience.

For the statewide Day of Service, schools and districts identified nonprofit organizations and community partners in their local communities, then determined which student group or grade level would be the best fit. Service projects could be embedded in the existing curriculum, allowing students to see how classroom skills translate into real-world applications.

"I'm so proud of the students, educators, and schools across Georgia who stepped up to serve their communities through this day of service – and I'm especially grateful to Rachel Kinsaul for bringing this vision to life," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "This is what public education is all about – preparing students for life and helping them become part of something bigger than themselves and make a real-world impact."

Kinsaul's statewide Day of Service was recognized by House Resolution 1389 in the Georgia General Assembly.

Highlights from the 2026 Statewide Day of Service

Schools across Georgia participated in the Day of Service, representing 67 school districts in all regions of the state. Highlights from several of those schools are featured below.

Morgan County High School – Morgan County

At Morgan County High School, Kinsaul and her colleagues led students through a variety of service-learning options and opportunities. Students volunteered at the local senior center, food pantry, and library; assisted with cleanup projects at the city cemetery and community garden; helped remove invasive plants along the Madison Greenway; cleaned local historic markers; and more.

"I believe that when thoughtful, committed students come together, they have the power to make a real change," Kinsaul said. "When they connect their learning to the needs of their community, their impact can be incredible."

Wacona Elementary School – Ware County

Students at Ware County Elementary School participated in three separate events for the Day of Service. In a schoolwide effort, students collected coloring books, puzzles, stuffed animals, fidgets, and other items to create care packages for children who have a family member at Hospice Satilla. National Elementary Honor Society students also volunteered with a local nonprofit to assist with food distribution for the community, and visited a local nursing home to spend time with residents.

"I am incredibly proud of our staff and students for their compassion, commitment, and willingness to serve others," Principal Jeri Ray said. "Their participation in our service project for Hospice Satilla reflects the very best of who we are – a community that leads with heart, gives with purpose, and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others."

Columbus High School – Muscogee County

Students involved with the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy – a national high school leadership program – at Columbus High School volunteered at Feeding the Valley for a day of service, leadership, and impact. The student volunteers packed 534 mobile pantry boxes, which will provide a total of 4,450 meals for families, and prepared 2,000 meals for local after-school programs serving children across the Chattahoochee Valley. Students also toured the facility and learned how Feeding the Valley supports families throughout the region.

"I am very proud of these students for stepping up and making a difference in our community," said Dr. Laura Solomons, science teacher and sponsor for the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy.

Chattanooga Valley Middle School and LaFayette Middle School – Walker County

The FFA chapters at LaFayette Middle School and Chattanooga Valley Middle School in Walker County took their Day of Service to Mountain Cove Farms, helping prepare and beautify the farm's gardens. Students worked together to weed, plant, and spread mulch in flower beds, creating a welcoming and vibrant space for the community. The teams also filled six new raised beds with nutrient-rich soil and planted them, helping expand the farm's capacity to grow fresh produce.

"It felt great to see the flower beds transform right before our eyes, and knowing that our work will make the farm more beautiful and welcoming for the community made it even more rewarding," LaFeyette Middle School student and FFA Reporter Lainey Thurman said. "I'm excited to keep helping with projects like this in the future."

Arbor Station Elementary School – Douglas County

Students at Arbor Station Elementary School in Douglas County celebrated the statewide Day of Service by spreading kindness throughout The Harbor, a local assisted living community. After-school program students hand-decorated and wrote heartfelt messages in each card, and Student Council President LaNae Ford and Vice President Jojo Walker personally delivered the tokens of appreciation to residents.

"We are so proud of our students for leading with heart and showing what it means to give back," Principal Dr. Emily Felton said. "A huge thank you to our after-school participants and our School Counselor, Chynna Cuellar, for making this Day of Service a resounding success!"

Lake Oconee Academy – Greene County

Students across grade levels at Lake Oconee Academy participated in service projects designed to support their school and one another. Kindergarten classes planted wildflowers, while second- and third-grade students took part in a campuswide clean-up effort, working together to care for the spaces they use every day.

"I picked my spot and planted my flowers," one kindergarten student said. "I can't wait to see them grow!"

In a meaningful act of service behind the scenes, sixth-grade students volunteered in the school cafeteria, assisting the custodial staff with cleaning and resetting the space after elementary lunches.

"At LOA, we believe learning extends far beyond just academics," Lower School Counselor Erica Seybert said. "Experiences like this help shape students into thoughtful, engaged citizens who understand the value of serving others."