Community service is key aspect of education
March 28, 2005: news_stories
Reprinted with permission of the Bangor Daily News
Editor's Note: Student Union is written by students at Brewer
High School, Hermon High School, Schenck High School in East Millinocket,
Searsport District High School and Stearns High School in Millinocket. The
weekly column is a joint effort among the schools, the Bangor Daily News and
Acadia Hospital. This week's column was written by Schenck students. Their
adviser is Charla Lowell.
BY KATIE A. BISHOP AND MATTHEW S. FLEMING
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
The seniors of this year's graduating class have had ample opportunities to
become involved with the community by way of service learning.
It's designed to connect what is taught in the classroom with community
issues and needs.
Service learning engages students in projects that serve the community and
build their social and academic capacities. This important component of
education provides an in-depth exploration and analysis of needs in the
communities, then seeks to address those needs.
Guidance counselor Charla Lowell of Schenck High School views service
learning as a positive thing. "Service learning gives students a chance to make
a contribution to the community that they can give ownership to. It gives
them a chance to fulfill a need that they have seen firsthand."
Senior Devin Meehan, a student who has been involved since middle school
with this program, agreed. "Service learning means helping the community
while educating myself," Meehan said.
Groups considered under the umbrella of service learning include peer
counselors, peer mentors, Student Union writers, and students involved with
independent studies.
In the past, service learning groups have made several improvements to the
school. In 2001, a climbing wall was started under the leadership of students
participating in service learning. Fund raising, planning and construction all
were led by students.
Most recently, a group of seniors made a presentation to the Union 113
board concerning student involvement on the board.
Under the supervision of Ann Davis, the group proposed consideration of
allowing a nonvoting student member to be seated on the board. The student
would serve as a liaison between the student body and the school board.
Although no decision has been made, the board seems to be giving this
proposal its serious consideration.
A great success in Opal Myrick Elementary School and Medway Middle School
as well, service learning has built character within the young minds of future
community leaders.
Medway Middle School pupils have raised money for a local animal shelter, as
well as growing a community garden and caring for it throughout the
summer. Opal Myrick pupils wrote letters to soldiers overseas. They also
raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
When asked if service learning would be a continuing program in Union 113,
Lowell replied with an enthusiastic smile and said, "Yes! The freshman class
of this year is excited to get started ... they are showing deep interest in
service learning."
As seniors, we hope the tradition of community involvement through the
school will remain a strong program. And so, as we prepare for graduation,
we are left with a sense of accomplishment for setting a precedent that will
be continued for years to come. It is our hope that more students will
experience the rich educational value of working within the community
surrounding the school. It is a truly worthwhile experience that sets the
highest standards of character, which are carried throughout life.
