Medina students learn about community service options locally
MEDINA – Every year, Medina High School staff organize a Community Day in the cafeteria. Participant in Government teacher Todd Bensley said that the school extends an invitation to different community organizations to come and try to get students to do community service with them.
“Each student has to do 10 hours of community service with an organization,” Bensley said. “We had 14 organizations show up so that students could make the initial contact and then it is up to the students to follow through with the contacts.”
Students met in the cafeteria and made their way around all the tables so that they could see what kind of activities the organizations offer. Mr. Bensley said that some students have already done their community service and didn’t have to pick from the options at the cafeteria. “They are free to pick their own organization to volunteer at,” he said. “This gives them an opportunity to make a connection with a non-profit.”
Chairperson of Community Action in Orleans and Genesee Counties, Ronnie Barhite, said she thinks it is very important for students to volunteer their time.
“Being involved helps them to realize that it is not just about you,” she said. “They need to help others because that is how a society works when people work together. If they give a little volunteer time, maybe when they leave school they will find other places to volunteer. A lot of volunteer jobs turn into your real job or your second or third job. It gives the kids a real sense of accomplishment.”
Jennifer Ossont, who also teaches Participant in Government at the High School, said, “It is so important for our students to see that our school is a vital part of the community, and we appreciate these organizations coming in to expose our students to all of the great resources and opportunities our community has to offer. It is a win-win situation for the community and our students.”