The old adage says, “Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today.”
But some 12th-graders might disagree based on their experience with their school’s community service requirement. Cornwall introduced the program in September following a suggestion from Joe DeBold, the head of the Guidance Department. He believed that as the student volunteers helped the community they would gain real-life experience, develop social skills and become interested in new areas.
The requirements weren’t rigorous. Seniors needed 50 hours to graduate with Community Service Recognition but just 5 hours to get their diplomas. They could satisfy the latter requirement in a single day. If they waited until the spring, they still had plenty of time.
But then the school buildings shut abruptly in March. Mr. DeBold sent a message to the high school students. “With the outbreak of COVID-19,” he said, “your health and safety is the number one priority…. Under no circumstance are [you] to engage in community service in the traditional sense where you are around others or putting yourself at risk during this crisis.”
He suggested two options – (1) filling out a hardship form requesting an exemption from community service, or (2) engaging in virtual community service.
How can you serve the community virtually? Mr. DeBold offered the following suggestions:
(1) Post a positive review of a local business on social media.
(2) Do virtual tutoring
(3) Write letters of gratitude to hospitals and workers in essential businesses.
(4) Promote local fund-raising campaigns
(5) Share a tip or a photo for ways to stay safe during the crisis.
“These are just a few options,” Mr. DeBold acknowledged. “We know there is more out there. You may already be engaging in a safe activity that can be shared.”
While some students waited till spring to get started, others got underway as soon as the program was introduced. Those who had satisfied their requirement for the year were still encouraged to
help the community during its time of need.
Underclassmen in grades 9-11 are expected to do a minimum of 5 hours of community service per year, which means that freshmen would complete 20 hours of service by the time they graduate.
