Seventh-graders learn what helping is all about

What started out as a requirement for health class ended up becoming a lesson students won't soon forget. Seventh-graders in Patty Fallon's, Barb Harrington's and Jan Johnson's classes at the Brockport A.D. Oliver Middle School spent last year helping throughout the community. This summer, some students are still volunteering on their own time.

Together, the young volunteers completed over 12,000 hours of community service at area businesses, including the Sweden Senior Center, Seymour Library, Rainbow Pets and the A.D. Oliver Middle School Bookstore. "The students carefully considered their personal talents, gifts, and interests before choosing where to volunteer," said Johnson. "At first, some of the students were reluctant, but many of them ended up volunteering more than the two hours a month that were required."

Alicia Kanous, Krisi Marcera, and Rebecca Sailus made it a point to come to the library every week for the Reading Buddies Program, one of their favorite activities. Each week the volunteers met with children to read to them or be read to. Rebecca said she liked helping her "buddies" read. "Steven is in first-grade and he wants to be the best reader in his class this year," she said. "And Kendra is in second-grade, she is full of energy and has fun picking out books to read." As the volunteers form special bonds with the children who come to the library, they are learning important lessons in giving.

For Rebecca, the library was an easy choice since she likes to read. Kristi calls the library her second home. "I'm here all the time, half volunteering and the other half of the time for me," she said. "I like getting outside and doing something for the community. I know I'm doing something to help and it feels good."

"These student volunteers have such a lot of positive energy," said Chris Daily, volunteer coordinator at Seymour Library. "They've done everything from washing picture book covers, to raising money at a fun read-a-thon/sleepover in the library. Their presence really strengthens the bond between the library and the community."

Students in Johnson's and Harrington's classes topped off their year of providing community service with a $350 donation to the Brockport Migrant Education Program. Students presented a portion of the profits from the school bookstore to the Migrant Education Program's Donna Spence at an awards presentation on June 19.

While there is no required community service projects in eighth-grade, the students are looking forward to continuing their volunteer experience.