Students may notice a new icon on the letter jacket this year.  Along with many other changes imposed for the 2014-15 school year, there is a new varsity letter for community service.  The award requires students to complete 100 hours of  volunteer service in a time span of 12 months, with the exception of seniors, who can letter in the spring.  At least 50 of the volunteer hours must be put towards one cause or organization.  For students who would like to go above and beyond, a presidential award is also available.  This is separate from the varsity letter, and would require 150 volunteer hours.

The award was created not only to encourage students to participate in community service, but more importantly to impact the community in a positive way.  The varsity letter service award congratulates, and in a way, rewards students for their great acts of kindness.

The award helps in, “Acknowledging all of the strengths that they have… we want something for everyone,” said Assistant Principal Aaron Drevlow.

There are many opportunities given for students to participate in community service through school, such as Key Club and National Honors Society. Unlike other lettering awards, the requirements for the Community Service letter are not surrounding a person’s athletic ability or academic level.  Students do not have to be an athlete, or have straight A’s to participate in community service.  Being the only high school in the Stillwater community, it is important for SAHS to make a significant impact.

“My favorite part about Key Club is that they go above and beyond for us to make sure there are plenty of service hours available to us. It helps knowing there’s an organization that can provide jobs for you to do,” said junior Ella Janochoski.

Community service benefits both the individual providing the service, and the recipient.  Who doesn’t feel like they have done something for the world when they assist someone in need?

“Its the best thing we can do for our community…It’s one of our biggest jobs that gets overlooked in public ed,” said Drevlow.

What do you think about a letter in community service?

• Letters should be specifically for athletic accomplishments
• Letters should be allowed for any achievements
• Letters should be reserved for athletics, academics and musical achievements
• Another reward should be offered for community service besides a varsity letter

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Another helpful source of information to assist in connecting students with a person or family in need is Community Thread.  Community Thread is an organization in Stillwater that brings together service groups in the St. Croix Valley area to provide volunteer opportunities.  When students are looking for volunteer hours, Community Thread provides a listing of upcoming opportunities on their website.

“Community Thread reaches out to us very often to see if any of our [Key Club] members would be willing to give time to help serve our community and make a difference for people all around us, ” said junior Key Club treasurer Ellie McGinley.

Youth involvement in community service is extremely important because it opens their eyes to the amount of needy people in their community.  Teens have the ability to be in their own world for much of their days.  It is beneficial for all to step out of their comfort zone and see the need around them.

“It [community service] helps young and developing students to learn more about the world around them and their role in the community and how much of an influence they can have,” said senior vice president of NHS Abby Lange.

Community service is a powerful part of society.

Drevlow said, “These [students] are some of the most genuine…philanthropic, most real cause driven people, and they are going to be the happiest people in life.”