MEEKER | Charred trees still stand as reminders of the destruction left by the Lee Fire. But amid the blackened landscape, new signs of hope have come from an unexpected source: a group of Meeker High School students who volunteered their time to help a teacher rebuild.
Seniors Holton Harvey and Augie Halstead, along with juniors Tucker Chinn and Said Rodriguez, spent their free time clearing trees, repairing damage and tackling projects to support English teacher Kathleen Kelley.
Harvey didn’t wait to be asked. He emailed Kelley directly and asked how he and his classmates could help. Within days, he organized the group, set a time and place, and led them through long days of work.
“I was inspired to help Mrs. Kelley with the fire because of how much she must have gone through,” Harvey said. “I noticed that if I were ever in her shoes, I would want some help and to have someone there for me. I learned a lot about leadership through this … I just have a huge amount of respect for Mrs. Kelley.”
Chinn, who has gone out twice to cut trees and clear debris, said the work was rewarding.
“The work consisted of building fences and clearing the dead trees and limbs from around her house,” Chinn said. “Since we knew we were greatly helping out Mrs. Kelley, none of us minded the physical work at all. Just seeing how thankful Mrs. Kelley was was enough of a reward.”
Chinn said the project also motivated him to stay involved. “I definitely see myself continuing to volunteer in projects like this … I think it is very important and worthwhile to give back to the community,” he said.
Halstead credited Harvey’s leadership with making the effort possible.
“It was nice of Holton to take control of the situation,” Halstead said. “Holton and I have been friends for as long as I can remember, so we have done a lot of projects together. We were comfortable with each other and knew what to expect, which helped a lot in making things run smoothly.”
The group replaced a fire-damaged gatepost with a fireproof pipe, dug post holes, and cleared limbs. “Without him the project would not have been complete,” Halstead said. “It was great to see how happy Mrs. Kelley was … even though it wasn’t a huge project, it had a great impact.”
Rodriguez said the choice to help was easy. “It felt great to be part of a student-led effort … doing this felt like I was giving back to people that needed it when times were difficult,” he said. “Mrs. Kelley does a lot for our school, so I feel like it was only right to help her back.”
For Kelley, the students’ efforts were extraordinary.
“These young men, led by Holton Harvey, volunteered, showed up, and did really grueling work in 90-plus degrees literally digging post holes in rock,” Kelley said. “They took pride in their work, leveling the post with meticulous care … I did not hear a single complaint. I heard the opposite — men willing to step up and help out when help was needed most. Every one of these young men came from parents who expected excellence, and I am a very happy beneficiary. I am extremely grateful.”
Their efforts did more than clear trees and rebuild fences. They brought a measure of stability back to a teacher’s ranch, showed the strength of small-town connections, and reminded the community that even in the aftermath of fire, resilience can take root.
For these Meeker High School students, the work was never about recognition. It was about stepping forward when help was needed most — and in doing so, they left behind more than repaired fence posts. They left a lasting example of what it means to lead with kindness.
Meeker High School students Holton Harvey, Augie Halstead, Tucker Chinn and Said Rodriguez carefully level and set a fence post while helping rebuild teacher Kathleen Kelley’s ranch after the Lee Fire. The students worked under hot, challenging conditions, clearing debris and repairing damage as part of a student-led effort to support their community.
Meeker High School students pour concrete into a hole to set a fence post while helping rebuild teacher Kathleen Kelley’s ranch after the Lee Fire. The students worked together on a variety of recovery projects, from clearing debris to repairing damaged structures, as part of a student-led effort to support their community.
Meeker High School students, from left to right: Said Rodriguez, Holton Harvey, Tucker Chinn, and Augie Halstead, take a water break while volunteering to help rebuild teacher Kathleen Kelley’s ranch after the Lee Fire.
