Every year seniors at Oliver Ames honor Devin Ness, a former member of the OA and Easton community, by participating in community service in his honor.
Here’s what you need to know about the event which takes place Thursday (4.30).
A Brief History of Devin Ness:
Devin Ness was a student at OA from 2009-2013. Many people in the community and at Oliver Ames can say that he made a great impact on many lives of the people that he interacted with. Mr. Pomell, Devin’s former wrestling coach, speaks highly of Devin’s legacy.
“He was a happy-go-lucky kid who would greet everyone he met with a smile,” said Pomella. “He seemed to always be in a good mood, and if he was not, then he would play a harmless prank on someone to cheer himself and others up. He was the type of kid that understood how to have a good time even while doing the hardest of work.”
Devin tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm his senior year.
The last conversation Mr. Pomella had with Devin solidifies why he is remembered on Day of KindNESS every year at OA.
“The last conversation I had with him was after practice on the last Thursday he was alive and he told me he wanted to give his starting spot for the post season to his backup who was a freshman,” Pomella recalls. “He said if he placed it would be cool, but if the freshman placed he would set himself up for the rest of high school. He cared about what he could do for other people more than what happened to himself.”
Solidifying Devin’s legacy, The Day of KindNESS is a way to remember his impact, but also is a way to spread his values to graduating seniors every year.
“The meaning behind The Day of KindNESS is doing something bigger than yourself for others,” said Pomella. “Devin was always the kid who you would look to when something needed to be done. The wrestling team starts every practice by taking out our mats(500+ pounds each section) and taping and mopping them. Most years the captains pick younger or injured kids to mop the mats each day. When Devin was the captain, the coaches never had to say anything about getting the mop and bucket and start mopping because he had already gotten it and started mopping the mats himself. He was a true leader by example.”
Event Details:
Seniors are expected to arrive at the OA auditorium promptly at 8:15 AM and in their seats by 8:30 AM. There will be a breakfast provided by Honey Dew. Students will receive their T-shirts after the meeting.
Once students receive their T-shirts, they will depart to their community service locations. They will remain there from 9:00 AM- 11:45 AM. All locations will be listed below.
Richardson Olmsted
Ames Free Library
Oliver Ames
EMS
Fire Department
Police Department
Frothingham Park
Easton Historical Society
Easton DPW
Smith Farm at Borderland
Langwater Farm
J&M Pet Resort
Easton Garden Club at YMCA
YMCA
Borderland State Park
Blanche Ames
Easton Water Department
Please note that many of these locations will be outside, so students should arrive in clothing that is appropriate for the weather and are comfortable to do yard work in.
After community service, all students will report to Langwater Farm to enjoy a cookout sponsored by business throughout the community.
