The Northport High School Tigers marked the giving season in a different way this year – by showing their stripes during four community days of service.

Principal Rob Dennis said the idea came after speaking with students who’d gone on trips to places like Kenya to volunteer with different groups at the school. It was a moving experience for many, and Dennis wanted more students to have that.

“I spoke with students and said, ‘how can we replicate this and give back to others?’ We aren’t going to take a plane with 1,600 people to West Virginia or Africa!”

With countless spots locally that need help, students got four days — one per grade level— to give back by volunteering.

“We hope that today kind of sparks something; that it doesn’t just start today and end today,” he added.

Collecting food donations, pet adoption drives and helping at a local museum were among the 20 or so volunteer options students could choose from.

Northport High School senior Olivia Aguirre went to the Atria Senior Living Facility.

She said of her experience, “coming here was really nice because some of the residents don’t get many visitors so it was nice to spend some time with them.”

Principal Dennis says giving back was one goal. Being the change was another.

He added, “we as individuals have the power to be good in the world.”