Sun, Nov 22 2009
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Published November 04, 2009 12:52 pm - SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — Making a difference is one of the most important responsibilities a person has in his or her lifetime. Without the good deeds that warmhearted people do every day, the world would be at a loss. “Volunteering does as much for the person helping as it does for the person in need,” said principal Sylvia Atkinson. “It’s, in a sense, our purpose in this world.” Lakeside students are making a difference Organizations give ample opportunities for teens to volunteer in the community Star Beacon SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — Making a difference is one of the most important responsibilities a person has in his or her lifetime. Without the good deeds that warmhearted people do every day, the world would be at a loss.
“Volunteering does as much for the person helping as it does for the person in need,” said principal Sylvia Atkinson. “It’s, in a sense, our purpose in this world.” From today’s younger generation to generations past, experiences through volunteering have touched many hearts. A Senior Leadership student, Tiana Gilbert, had her own story to share. “I taught Bible study to inner city children,” she said. “Most of them had seen horrible things that were difficult for me to imagine. It opened my eyes to how hard other people’s lives can be… and it made me want to help them even more.” Gilbert’s enthusiasm is shared by many of her peers; and consequently, Lakeside High School hosts numerous organizations whose primary goal is volunteering. Most are available to all high school students, while others are limited to senior students or honor students. Occasionally, a volunteer activity is sponsored exclusively by class representatives. Senior Leadership and Senior Women are community service organizations available to seniors; National Honor Society is available to students who are selected because of good character, superior grades and community involvement; and Student Council is available to elected class representatives. However, most service organizations at LHS are available to all students. Examples of these include: Key Club, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club; Students Against Destructive Decisions, which focuses on directing students toward making positive life choices; and the Red Cross Club, which primarily helps the American Red Cross with its annual blood drives at the school. Another charitable organization at LHS is Senior Leadership. This program is offered to every senior student and has a goal of providing volunteer opportunities and service learning projects. The program hosts 51 members, the most in its entire history! Each member is required to volunteer at least 60 hours by the end of the year, and each is also required to create two service learning projects. In the past, some of the programs created were Jackets 4 Juniors and Coats 4 Kids. Additionally, some members serve as Student Ambassadors. In addition to service projects, each year there are several potential Leadership awards to be distributed, including the Presidential Award. At the end of the year these scholarships are given to students who have excelled in community service. Also, reinstated at Lakeside this year is Senior Women, which is another community conscious organization. English teacher and adviser Janet Kunes said it provides senior women with an opportunity to unite for a common purpose. In the future, fund-raisers will be held to benefit local charities related to women’s issues in our community. The first official meeting was held Oct. 29. For a few students, being a member of the National Honor Society is the pinnacle of their achievements at Lakeside. Inductees are chosen based on their outside community involvement, inspiring leadership ability and numerous academic achievements. English teacher and adviser Linda Peters is encouraging all members to volunteer for at least 35 hours of community service. “In the upcoming months NHS will be able to really be active and make a difference in the community,” said Lisa Roane, president of NHS. Roane, along with vice president Anthony Colucci, treasurer Jenna Rutz and secretary Sam Reho, are exploring ideas for additional volunteer opportunities and fund-raisers. Another club that is becoming increasingly popular at Lakeside is Key Club, a service organization sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club. “We formed it last year because of a student’s interest in community service,” said history teacher Janice Timonere. Mrs. Timonere and English teacher Lynne Montgomery are the club advisers. The representatives of this organization are: president, Allison Luoma; vice president, Amanda Colbourn; secretary, Sam Reho; and treasurer, Jay Montgomery. 
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