HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Much like other high schools in the area, Hutchinson High School’s student body will spend a morning for in-service learning this Friday.

The third annual Salthawk Service Day will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m Friday, which is an early release day at Hutch High for its annual track meet.

The Kansas State Board of Education encourages all students to be involved in service and the early release day is an opportunity for HHS to get students into the community in an organized event.

According to the state Board of Education, students who volunteer in their communities are more likely to vote, stay actively involved in service and feel empowered as citizens.

The day starts with attendance and instruction with students fanning out across the community to a wide range of projects at 8:10 a.m. Projects range from maintenance and clean-up at several locations in the city, to baking cookies for firefighters, to reading to elementary students, to visiting nursing home residents.