Community Rallies to Clean Up Storm Damage at WACO High School

Students and staff join local residents in clearing debris after severe weather hits campus.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:40pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting blurred figures working together to clear debris, with warm, hazy pools of light and color creating a sense of community and shared purpose.The Wayland community's swift response to help clean up storm damage at WACO High School showcases the district's collaborative spirit.Wayland Today

Just days after storms caused significant damage to the campus of WACO Junior-Senior High School in Wayland, Iowa, the local community has come together with students and staff to begin the cleanup process. Community members, students, and school staff convened at the school on Thursday to clear debris from the football field and help repair the damaged press box.

Why it matters

The swift community response and student involvement highlight the tight-knit nature of the Wayland district and the value placed on coming together in times of need. The cleanup effort is an important first step in repairing the campus and preparing for upcoming severe weather.

The details

On Thursday morning, members of the Wayland community joined WACO students and staff to clean up debris from Roth Field and help carry away remnants of the damaged press box. WACO Superintendent Spencer Lueders praised the 'amazing' level of support shown, noting that the student body was eager to pitch in even before being asked. The district will continue assessing the situation, including plans to replace the press box and repair other storm-related damage to buildings.

  • The storms that caused the damage occurred just a few days prior to the cleanup effort.
  • The community cleanup took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • More severe weather is forecasted for the region on Friday and Saturday.

The players

WACO Junior-Senior High School

The public high school in Wayland, Iowa where the storm damage occurred and the cleanup effort took place.

Spencer Lueders

The superintendent of the WACO school district, who praised the community's response and student involvement in the cleanup.

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What they’re saying

“It's simply amazing. I don't know if there's any other way to describe it. I mean, it's something that attracted me to this district in the first place, and the amount of community support, and it's really showcased today. In times of need and crisis, typically banding together does happen, but to this extent is pretty incredible.”

— Spencer Lueders, WACO Superintendent

“Whether it's in the classroom, on the field, or even in their work environments at home, they're not afraid to put the work in, and I know this wasn't even an ask for them. They wanted to come in, even yesterday, and start the cleanup process. So, we wanted to provide them the opportunity today to do that. And it's something they're always going to remember.”

— Spencer Lueders, WACO Superintendent

What’s next

The district will continue to assess the situation, including plans to replace the damaged press box at Roth Field and repair other storm-related damage to buildings on the WACO campus.

The takeaway

The swift community response and student involvement in the WACO campus cleanup effort demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the Wayland district and the value placed on coming together to support one another in times of crisis. This collaborative spirit will be crucial as the school works to repair the damage and prepare for future severe weather.