(Cazenovia, NY – Sept. 2015) Three Cazenovia High School students were actively engaged in service learning opportunities over the summer under the Madison County Youth Bureau’s Service Learning and Leadership Program. Students completed 28.5 total service hours in July and August through visits to the Cazenovia Public Library, the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, Caz Cares, Lorenzo State Historic Site and the Friendship Inn.
Students began working with the program in the fall of 2014 meeting weekly to improve their leadership and personal skills. The program continued over summer with interested students to transition into the program’s second year focus of service learning.
“It was so easy to find service opportunities for youth in the Cazenovia community,” said Tina Louis, the Youth Bureau’s Youth Development Specialist. “There is a need for volunteers in many organizations that can be met by energetic youth, from helping at the library’s book sale to assisting with food distributions and trail maintenance.”
Cazenovia students are required to complete 40 hours of service in their high school career. This works nicely into the Service Learning and Leadership program’s goals. One student, Brennah Caffrey, is determined to get the most volunteer hours in her class.
“I’m trying to get as many hours as I can because I want to earn a scholarship for college,” Caffrey said.
Students learned how each organization contributed to the well-being of the community and how they can return to volunteer in the future. Students will continue service learning activities with the program when they return to school in the fall.