I write in support of the tremendous job done by Dawn O’Brien and her team of volunteers at last Wednesday’s PTSA Volunteer Fair. Held on the evening of November 13 at High School North, I understand there were many students in attendance from High School South as well as both middle schools.
I salute Ms. O’Brien’s success in the Volunteer Fair’s second year. Including middle school students is a wonderful addition for starting an earlier tradition of giving back to the community. She and others were able to accomplish what I had proposed to the WW-P Board of Education for many years.
My proposal was always for high school grades 9-12. Grades 9-11 would be 10 hours per school year; grade 12 would be 20 hours per year. This program eclipses my expectations.
Many of our students are already performing within the community, but this fair affords opportunities for those students who are not actively engaged.
Who monitors this? The guidance counselors. This will make it much easier for writing those college application recommendations in a win-win program.
Community service was never designed to be mandatory or punitive. Prior to high school graduation, all WW-P students should understand how their schools and municipal governments operate. This program will assist these goals and chart a template for civic responsibility and active participation.
Pete Weale
Penns Neck
