Katie from Clarkston - 2009 SLYC Member

Hello! My name is Katie and I attend Clarkston High School in Clarkston, Michigan. I’m looking forward to being a member of the Service Learning Youth Council (SLYC) this year because it pushes me to step outside of my comfort zone and be more aware and more compassionate about my community.

Here in Clarkston we are working to promote service-learning. In the elementary schools we have worked to develop new service-learning programs. My mom, Kathleen, actually coordinates one of the projects at Independence Elementary.

Every year each grade participates in a different service activity. Kindergarteners make care packages with donated toiletries for Grace Centers of Hope; prior to the event they sort each donated item which is tied to their grade level curriculum. In the first grade classes the students make dog and cat toys and treats for the local Humane Society. As part of the learning aspect, they graph different groups of animal toys in class. Second graders write letters to soldiers and send a large care package. These students work on the letters throughout their classroom writing sessions. In the third grade classes, students package muffins for Meals On Wheels and incorporate a writing aspect. Fourth graders make fleece blankets for project L.I.N.U.S., which provides blankets for ill children in hospitals. The students have to measure all of the materials and cooperatively work with a partner. Finally, in fifth grade, students hold a brunch for local senior citizens. The students conduct historical interviews, coordinate a musical performance, and play games with the senior citizens. All of these service-learning activities happen on S.O.C.K.S. Day (Serving Our Community Kids Style).

The 2009 S.O.C.K.S. Day was great – I helped volunteer at it. As usual, all of the kids at Independence Elementary really enjoyed helping out. Whether it was talking to a senior citizen or packaging muffins; volunteering became a reality to every student in the school. I was really glad I got to help my mom out with this huge project. The most rewarding part was the satisfaction in the kid's faces once they saw they had truly made a difference.