Harrison Central seniors earn bench through service project

Three Harrison Central High School seniors have successfully completed their senior service learning project by collecting more than 1,000 pounds of plastic, earning a recycled bench through the NexTrex initiative.

Seniors Grace Miller, Xander Stabile and Paul Herring led the effort as part of the district’s senior service learning program, a graduation requirement for all Harrison Central students. Their project focused on sustainability while also creating a lasting tribute to a fellow student.

The recycled bench has arrived on campus and will be installed at the school’s football field, where it will serve as a dedicated space for cheerleaders during home games. The bench will be placed in memory of Ana Zarkovic, a seventh-grade student and active member of the junior high cheer program.

Zarkovic was known as a bright and involved student whose life was tragically cut short before the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Through their efforts, Miller, Stabile and Herring met an ambitious environmental goal and also created a meaningful way to honor Zarkovic’s memory and support future generations of Harrison Central cheerleaders.

School officials said the project reflects the impact of service-based learning and the commitment of Harrison Central students to both their school and community.

For more information about Harrison Central’s senior service learning program, visit hhcsd.org.