06/08/2024
During the summer months many of our past student workers come back to earn some money and mentor our younger workers. Today these 9 young men are working on a job together. This picture tells a lot about who we are and what we do.
5 of these guys were NHS students last year, 1 sophomore, 1 junior, and 3 seniors. 3 of them are college students returning for the summer. 1 works for us full time and will be operating Railer Services some day. 3 of them are Eagle Scouts, 1 is the 2 time editor of the NHS yearbook, and 2 will be playing college football next year. 1 is in the military and has already served a tour of duty outside the country. Some are accomplished members of the NHS band, many have lettered in multiple sports and competed at the state level.
These are just a few of the 75 students that have worked for us. The accomplishments of our past and present team members are amazing. 10 have competed in college sports. 2 have represented Newton in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. 7 have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. 1 was 2 times class president. Several have served on student council and headed student groups such as STAND. Numerous ones are award winning musicians. Many are 3 sports letter earners and state recognized athletes. Our past workers are studying to be teachers, engineers, emergency management leaders, fire fighters, businesspeople, journalists, and even doctors. We have had numerous pairs of siblings and even a set of triplets. We are so proud of all of them.
Some people are unclear on what exactly Railer Services is or does. We are a private company that has the endorsement of the school system and follows district standards relating to conduct and eligibility. We are fully insured, we pay taxes, we train our workers, and we possess the tools required to complete the work we take on. We are a for profit business which allows us to acquire the tools, trucks, trailers, and equipment necessary, but a large portion of our profits are donated back to school programs and scouting. We are not a volunteer or school run organization, and although many of our members are students, we also employ adults to supervise and to allow us to work regular business hours. Students work for us after school, on weekends, during breaks, and seniors are often allowed to work half days.
We were formed with a 3 prong mission. To provide work to students that matches their schedules and abilities, to raise funds for youth activities, and to provide unusual services required by much of the aging population of Newton. While we do a lot of routine tasks, we also fulfill the needs of people who wish to remain independent, but aren’t as capable as they once were. A list of some of the services we provide can be found on our page or at railerservices.com. While this is a list of standard services, we often are asked and agree to do unusual things to help people when they don’t know who to call.
We have been lucky to receive the support of numerous local businesses and civic leaders, and the appreciation we receive from the community as a whole is overwhelming.
Thank you Newton and all of Harvey County.
