Marissa Gross of Merrick participates in Alternative Spring Break trip

2016 Mar 15

Merrick, NY resident Marissa Gross spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Gross, a Integrated Science and Technology major, scheduled to graduate in 2017, traveled to Port St. Joes, FL to volunteer with St. Joseph Bay.

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 5-12. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 250 students embarked on 25 spring break trips around the country and world. The students spent the week living simply, focused on service in their destination community but also on teamwork and reflection within their group.

St Joseph's Bay Buffer Preserve, which is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the Northern part of Florida, actively serves as a buffer to the bay protecting the natural species, wildlife, and water quality of the local community. Beach clean up, landscaping, and fence removal are a few of the many projects students participated in during this wonderful week of service.

For information about JMU's award winning Alternative Break Program, visit www.jmu.edu/abp.