University of Wisconsin students spruce up Harrisburg

A group of future leaders from University of Wisconsin chose to spend their spring break this year doing service to communities in the southeastern United States.

"Students Today, Leaders Forever" is the name of the organization and four busloads of Badgers from the University of Wisconsin departed the chilly north and headed south this week. Two buses went to Washington, D.C. One bus went to Georgia. The bus that came to Harrisburg is doing the southeastern United States en route to a conference in Nashville, Tenn.

The bright red bus pulled into the parking lot at First Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg at dusk and the students promptly consumed many, many pizzas supplied by the city. Harrisburg City Clerk Sally Wofford oversaw the sleeping arrangements for the hardy bunch. They slept on the floor of the church basement and rose early to perform their random act of kindness for Harrisburg residents. After a welcome from Mayor Dale Fowler, they split into three groups, then started cleaning up roadways at 8:30 a.m.

Norah Zhang is a resident of Baotou, China and is studying at the university in Madison, Wis. "It seemed like a way to do something special with the holiday," she said.

Angel Fish is a Native American and a resident of a reservation 45 minutes north of Green Bay, Wis.

"We are fortunate enough to be in college. This is a way to give back," she said.

"It is also a great tourism experience," said leader Jade Ortiz.

The group left for their next city, Nashville, shortly after noon.