Lisbon Community School fifth-graders attended the first junior volunteer class for the school year. Three students from the Wilton area also attended to volunteer in Lisbon. Seated from the left are Jack Caron, Adam Desjardins, Abigail Curtis, Amanda Hazelton, Taylor Plourde, Taylor Martin, Patrick Dexler, Charles Roy and Rider Morlock; standing, Hannah Stritch, Kailyn Hill, Erika Gardner, Ashley Marconi, Courtney Lawrence, Rachel Roy, Rebekah Nida, Loren Grant and Molly Nicholson.

Students learn volunteerism

LISBON – Even though Nov. 19 was a staff Professional Day at Lisbon Community School, which means no school for students, 18 fifth-graders gave up their morning off to attend class.

The class was held for students interested in becoming junior volunteers in the Lisbon School Department. “Many of the students are following the example put forth by their parents, grandparents and other members of their family, who are part of the adult volunteer program,” said Monica Millhime, community resource and volunteer coordinator for the Lisbon School Department.

“The Lisbon schools are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer force of over 400 adults and 100 students. Junior volunteers assist during recess or after school as book buddies for younger students, assist with drama, music or art programs, cover local school events for the school newsletters, babysit for PTO events and assist the Lisbon Rotary and other local businesses with community projects,” said Millhime.

Students in grades five through 12 are eligible to become junior volunteers. The program models the adult program at Lisbon Community School, Philip W. Sugg Middle School and Lisbon High School. The junior program is designed to offer students a volunteer experience in the school during approved times by teachers and parents.

During the training students learn about all the volunteers areas of assistance in school and throughout the community. Students also learn about the responsibility of being a junior volunteer.

Before students are accepted in the program an application needs to be completed and approved by their teachers and parents. A pledge is taken by the students accepting the guidelines of the program, including the most important component, confidentially.

All students are issued a photo identification badge, a package of information and log sheets for recording the monthly time dedicated to volunteering.

At the end of the school year, any student contributing more than 50 hours of service will be awarded the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

For more information on the program, contact Millhime at 754-0021 or [email protected].