“We have a tradition at our school called Rick Edwards Day of Service, where we honor our community and pay homage to Rick Edwards for the way he served it,” said Marble Falls High School student Addisen Craig.
The late Rick Edwards, a respected local businessman and longtime Marble Falls ISD trustee was known for his steady leadership and heart for the community. Edwards believed strongly in “servant” leadership.
Those who helped establish the day say continuing his legacy through service would have made him proud.
On Feb. 20, that tradition unfolded across Marble Falls and Burnet County as roughly 1,000 Marble Falls ISD students left their campuses and stepped into neighborhoods, nonprofits, parks and community spaces to serve.
A number of educators and other adult leaders also rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside them.
Coordinated through a long-standing partnership between the Ark of Highland Lakes and Marble Falls ISD, the Rick Edwards Day of Service (REDS) once again transformed an ordinary school day into a countywide effort of hands-on help.
In Spicewood, students worked alongside the Spicewood Fire Department/ ESD clearing brush to reduce fire risk in a local neighborhood.
Madison Cuplin described the project simply: “Today we came to the neighborhood in Spicewood to clean up the brush to help prevent the spread of fires.” Firefighters operated chainsaws to remove trees and heavy limbs while students hauled branches to the edge of the street for pickup.
“We helped the fire fighters who were using the chain saw to cut down trees by carrying the tree branches to the edge of the street,” Madison said.
The work was physical, but spirits were high. With near-perfect weather and plenty of teamwork, the students found more than just a sense of accomplishment.
They found connection. Participants exclaimed they had fun volunteering, even with the hard work involved. The Spicewood project at Lakeside Beach was just one of many service sites active throughout the county.
Secondary students served off campus at nonprofits, parks, businesses, and residential properties, assisting with landscaping, yard work, painting, light repairs, donation distribution, and neighborhood cleanups. Younger students participated in age-appropriate service activities on their own campuses: assembling care packages, writing letters, making cards, and preparing items for community distribution. The event is designed to ensure that every MFISD student has the opportunity to participate in meaningful service. Organizers emphasize that community service is not just about completing tasks; it is about shaping character. By working alongside peers, volunteers, churches, and first responders; students experience firsthand what it means to contribute to the greater good.
Each year, REDS reflects that vision blending student growth with tangible community impact. The collaboration between ARK of Highland Lakes and Marble Falls ISD continues to strengthen community bonds across the Highland Lakes region, creating what organizers hope will be a lasting ripple effect of compassion and involvement.
For Craig, the experience was about more than clearing brush. It was about unity. “Our experience was pretty fun,” she said. “We got to do a lot of group bonding with people who aren’t always with us.”
