Did you know that Rockville High School students have to complete 50 hours of community service before graduation. Many, of course, complete many more than that.
Students are encouraged to get to know the community by volunteering so that they can become responsible citizens.
To help students attain their 50-hour requirement, Rockville High School hosted a Community Service Fair in the school library on Wednesday. Students could visit with a variety of local non-profit groups with which they could volunteer.
Among them were the Community Voice Channel, Strong Family Farm, Friends of Valley Falls, the Vernon Police Explorers, Vernon Youth Services, Vernon Parks and Recreation, the Vernon Rocks Coalition and the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund.
Vernon Youth Services Director Michelle Hill said there are a variety of opportunities for RHS students to volunteer, including at the after-school program her department runs.
“They get a chance to serve as role models, help kids with reading and homework and playing games,” she said.
Ann Noel of the Friends of Valley Falls said there are many ways students can volunteer at the organization’s Heritage Center.
Landscaping and maintenance work is needed. Students can also be tour guides and do research to identify tools and other items at the historic site.
The Vernon Greater Together Community Fund is looking for students to help guide its awarding of grants, volunteer Ann Bonney said.
“We want to know from them what the priorities should be for the community,” she said. The organization distributes about $100,000 each year and students can play a role in how that money is allocated, she said.