Will Norton inspires Western Kentucky professor to bring students to help Joplin tornado recovery

The story of Will Norton, who died in the May 22 tornado shortly after graduating from Joplin High School, inspired a University of Western Kentucky professor to bring students to help with the Joplin recovery effort:

(History professor David) Serafini and the students in June volunteered through the organization Relief Spark by assisting with the deconstruction of damaged properties for homeowners without insurance.

This time, Serafini and the students will assist with reconstruction, Serafini said, adding that Relief Spark has committed to building 50 homes and is repairing a damaged elementary school.

While in Joplin, the members of Phi Sigma Pi plan on meeting with members of two other chapters from universities in Missouri.

Students who went to Joplin in June are looking forward to returning, and students who were not able to attend are eager to do their part, Serafini said.

In June, Serafini said he was especially touched by the story of Will Norton, a teenager who just graduated high school the day the tornado struck Joplin. Norton was killed in the storm, and his father was severely injured.

“The teacher and mentor in me came out,” Serafini said. “I just kept thinking, ‘This could be one of my freshmen in the fall. This could be one of my advisees in Phi Sigma Pi.’”