Graffiti sparks student volunteerism
By Jenna Buehler Comet writer-intern

Graffiti be gone Student intern Kyle Bender gathers volunteers to clean-up graffiti from area hotspots. "It's great that we can go out, volunteer and take care of this, because it just something that needs to be done," said Bender. Comet photo by Jenna Buehler

Concerned Camden resident and Delphi Community High School senior, Kyle Bender wants to get rid of area graffiti. He will help local vandalism victims and private owners get rid of area graffiti with assistance from the Emerson and Manahan law firm.

The concept was developed to benefit property owners, and used as a teaching tool for Bender's internship at the law firm.

"We brainstormed and came up with the idea to lead a student graffiti clean-up group," Bender said. "First, I got approval from the city. The next step is to contact property owners."

He explained the project also involved the assignment of writing legal documentation.

"Writing the 'Hold Harmless Agreement of Owner,' was a good opportunity for me to practice legal document writing," he said. "It was kind of fun to write, actually."

Bender is still gathering volunteers for the project, welcoming anyone that is interested.

"We plan to have a group of four to five volunteers to go out Oct. 7 with a list of contacts provided by the city. We plan to do this and do it right," said Bender. "We hear a lot of negative feedback from the community about the youth of today. Hopefully, from this, everyone will see that something good can happen, for once we're benefiting the community."

According to Bender, his relationship with the law firm arose due to the Delphi high school accredited internship program.

"I was able to gain lawyer experience hands on as an intern, and see what it's like dayto day in the office and sit in on cases," said Bender. "I've only been there a short time, but have learned that the law profession is a lot of hard work and long hours, but in the end it's rewarding."

Attorney Barry Emerson explained the office supports and encourages Bender's efforts to help those incapable of handling the graffiti situation. He expects the project will enhance Bender's leadership capabilities.

"The law office of Emerson and Manahan is more than happy to provide supplies for this project," said Emerson. "Perhaps, this will encourage future civic pride. It will certainly help Kyle with his leadership skills."

Great minds think alike

Efforts to remove graffiti have also been made by the Carroll County Sheriff's office. Sheriff Tony Burns plans a Sept. 29 graffiti paint-out.

"We will go out, weather permitting, to Bicycle Bridge and paint and cleanup. Probation officers are gathering about five people who need community service hours, for the job," said Burns. "The bridge has not been painted for years and the new graffiti in the area has really sparked us to get rid of it. The county highway department is donating all paint and supplies, so hopefully we'll get this all taken care of."