Tending Community: Thanks to Our High School Volunteers
By Perris Reed on July 03, 2026 from Tending Community
If you've been to the Bridgeport Farmers and Makers Market this year, you've probably noticed a group of teenagers in bright volunteer vests hustling around, carrying tents, helping vendors unload, answering questions, and all with a smile on their sweet faces. Those are our incredible volunteers from Bridgeport High School, and today I want to recognize them and express my gratitude.
A few months before Opening Day, I had the opportunity to visit Bridgeport High School a couple of times to talk with students about volunteering at the market. First, I want to give a thank-you to Mrs. Keener and Mrs. Garrett for welcoming me and letting me share why I believe so strongly in what we're building at the market.
I'll admit...I walked into those classrooms thinking, "I'm about to ask a bunch of high schoolers to give up their Sunday mornings." That's a tough sell! I mean, I have a hard enough time getting myself moving some Sunday mornings!
I was incorrect....
These students have really blown me away.
They have shown up in a big way at the market helping us transform an empty parking lot into one of my favorite places in Bridgeport. They help set up tents, move tables, put out signs, haul supplies....you name it. And what impresses me most isn't that they do the work. It's what they do after the work is finished.
Without anyone asking, they start making the rounds to our vendors.
"Can I help you carry anything?"
"Need me to grab something?"
"Is there anything you need?"
As a Market Manager, that makes me incredibly proud. As a member of this community, it makes me optimistic about the future.
These students represent our community so well. They're respectful, hardworking, kind, and they genuinely want to help. They've become part of our market family, and I know our vendors look forward to seeing them on Sunday just as much as I do. And anyone who knows me personally won't be surprised when I say that me and these kids have had some laughs!
Our market simply wouldn't be the same without volunteers. It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to make Sunday mornings happen, and these students have become a huge part of that success.
So, to Mrs. Keener, Mrs. Garrett, and every Bridgeport High School student who's spent their Sunday mornings with us this season, THANK YOU! You've brought energy, laughter, and a willingness to help that has brought even more joy to my Sunday mornings. And if reading this has you thinking, "That actually sounds like something I'd enjoy," we'd love to have you! The Bridgeport Farmers and Makers Market is always looking for volunteers as we continue to grow. Whether you can help once or every week, we'd be thrilled to welcome you.
Feel free to reach out to me anytime at perris@bridgeportfarmersmarket.com.
Who knows? You might even discover that waking up early on a Sunday isn't so bad after all... especially when there's fresh coffee, good people, and a farmers’ market waiting for you.
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