School briefs: Stillwater High to offer varsity letters for community service

At Stillwater Area High School, the letter jacket is not just for sports anymore, but for potentially richer social endeavors, too.

Beginning this school year, students can earn varsity letters for volunteer efforts in the community.

The new program makes the Stillwater Area Public Schools one of the few districts in the state to offer a letter for community service, a district news release said.

"The letter recognizes the efforts of students who have given back to the community in a meaningful way," Sara Pennebecker, volunteer center program manager at Community Thread, was quoted as saying. "They're gaining leadership opportunities, developing new skills and being exposed to people who look [different] than themselves."

As of Oct. 27, nearly 20 students had signed on to the program. It's hoped 40 will enroll during the first year.

The district said the varsity letter program is a way to recognize efforts already taking place, "while reaching out to an even wider audience."

Students have been active in the National Honor Society, Key Club and other school-based organizations, as well as scouting, church projects and individual endeavors. Key Club is a community service group led by international students, the district's website states.

In addition, students must reflect on their experiences through written word, video, art or song.

Evidence of the work must be submitted on the first day of the 2015-16 school year. Students will receive their letters at a breakfast next fall, the district said.

Ellie McGinley, a high school junior active in the National Honor Society and several music and sports groups, said there were mutual benefits to helping people in need.

"Volunteering is a rewarding experience," she was quoted as saying. "No one walks away from it regretting they did it."

Nearly 20 students at East Ridge High in Woodbury have been collecting clothes and raising money to help orphaned and abandoned children in Latin America.

According to a South Washington County School District news release, five families at East Ridge also served as host families for NPH students who visited from El Salvador and Guatemala.

The students spoke to world language classes at East Ridge and danced in the school's auditorium.

The East Ridge efforts represent "a wonderful way to serve those less fortunate in Latin America and to also gain awareness of the struggles for many children and families throughout the world," Michele Salinas, the club's adviser and East Ridge Spanish teacher, was quoted as saying. "Students discover that with just a little bit of effort they can change these children's lives forever."