Stories from High School Service-Learning VIPs
Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates community service with instruction and reflection. Through service-learning, you can apply what you learn in the classroom to better your community. Check out how these high-schoolers were able to make a difference through service-learning—we think this makes them Very Inspirational People.
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Amanda's service trip to Ghana caused her to try to find meaning in the face of poverty and suffering.
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Laura T. of Alden, Iowa, keeps unused school supplies out of landfills.
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Noah S. of Lake Forest Academy organized a book drive for elementary school students who might not have books of their own.
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Aaron Z. of Lake Forest Academy worked with his classmates to restore the local habitat.
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Madeline and Stacey of Lake Forest Academy tutored local elementary school students.
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Kelsey F. helped build a school house in rural Peru, and made connections to last a lifetime.
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Kat D. and Angel Z. of Lake Forest Academy used their artistic talents to bring awareness to environmental issues.
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Alex K., John L., and David D. of Lake Forest Academy changed all the light bulbs in the school dorms to CFLs.
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Matt J., Lina H., and Nan W., Lake Forest Academy: "We wanted to help homeless people who need blankets and don't have enough food. We had a bake sale to raise money to buy fleece fabric and food, and we made blankets using the fabric we bought."
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Alex W. and Frank H., Lake Forest Academy: "On our seminar project with Lake Forest Academy, we made blankets for children in hospitals."
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Charles G. of Lake Forest Academy strove to advocate for the hungry and homeless people of Northern Illinois.
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Jay K., Lake Forest Academy: "We, the PAWS group, believe that the social problem related to animals and pets being abused, abandoned, and even being killed just because they don't have owners who will take care of them, is draining our society."
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Minhan D. and Izabela T., Lake Forest Academy: "Our organization strives to advocate for groups within our community that help with education in the arts of underprivileged children in the area, opening up opportunities for volunteers and donators."
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Melissa M. of Lake Forest Academy spoke with middle school kids about making contructive and safe choices when facing peer pressure.
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JaneX., Emma H., and Kelly W. of Lake Forest Academy packed lunch bags and went to the Inspiration Cafe located in Uptown on Chicago's north side.
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Arlo C., James P., and Dylan S., of Lake Forest Academy worked to aid the disabled, elderly and impoverished in their community.
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Chelsea D., On Giants' Shoulders: "I have learned how much time and effort goes into creating a program or nonprofit organization. Every obstacle which I encountered made me want to persevere even more."
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Shannon M., SHARE: "I founded SHARE, a nonprofit organization to empower African girls through education."
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Laura S., Harry D. Jacobs High School: "My best service-learning moment was when I was working in Qatar. I was over there with a small team of leaders from my school and we were presenters at Reach Out to Asia’s first National Service-Learning Conference."
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Brendan F., Bishop Gordon High School: "I didn’t really learn the value of service for myself until the day I began to fully appreciate what it meant for the people receiving the service."
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WH Cares (Whitman, MA): High school students address issues of poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing in this interdisciplinary project.
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(Rock Hill, SC): Young people work with adult advisors, community foundations, and public agencies to create new opportunities for young people.
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(San Francisco, CA): Students reflect on ways in which youth voice can impact policy.