ANDOVER — On Thursday, Sept. 21, 2024, 16 students from Greater Lawrence Technical School’s Interact Club, a community service-focused group, participated in Groundwork Lawrence’s annual Spicket River cleanup.
The Spicket River, stretching 17.7 miles through both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, is a tributary of the Merrimack River, flowing through Methuen and Lawrence.
Students and staff participating in this year’s event were assigned a small section of the Spicket River to clean. The students worked through the rain, removing large debris including bicycles, furniture and electronics from both the water and the riverbanks. They also removed 300 syringes from the riverbanks.
According to a statement from Greater Lawrence Technical School Superintendent John Lavoie’s Office, the high school became involved with Groundwork Lawrence’s annual Spicket River cleanup through English teacher Chris Cyr, who is the advisor of the Interact Club, the school’s community service organization. About ten years ago, when Cyr first took on the role of the club’s advisor, he sought opportunities to expand the club’s outreach and discovered Groundwork Lawrence’s annual Spicket River cleanup. Since then, the school has participated in the event every year.
“We are so proud of our students for going above and beyond for the community,” said Superintendent Lavoie. “This is a great initiative that demonstrates the power of community and teamwork. I am grateful for our students and staff members who continue to participate.”
When the students finished cleaning their section of the river, organizers from Groundwork Lawrence expressed their appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
“Your kids were rock stars at the Spicket River cleanup today,” said Martha Leavitt of Groundwork Lawrence. “In a one-block area we pulled over 300 needles out of the riverbanks of the Spicket River and we filled almost a 20-yard dumpster with debris that the kids literally pulled out of the river and the riverbanks. They were incredible.”
Brad Buschur, one of the two site captains, added “Groundwork Lawrence is incredibly appreciative of the Greater Lawrence Technical School students and teachers, Chris Cyr and Kurt Hood, who continue to show up in support of this annual cleanup event in our city.”