Some Lisbon Community School fifth-graders attended class on a no-school day to attend the junior volunteer training class. From left in front are Alyssa Finlay, Olivia Leduc, Alexis Rider, Alyssa Briglio, Tarra Hubert, Abby Gamache and Charlotte Mooney; second row, visitor Ben Stone, Matthew Moran, Jonathan Melnick, Allie Lycette, Emily Moran, Skye Cribbin and Cody Campbell; and back, Doug Stone of the Lewiston Elks Lodge, Natalie Thomsen, Katherin George, Kayla Wagner-Coughlin, Spencer Thebeau and Jacob Bussiere; not available, Breeann Sautter, Andrianna White, Hannah Berube, Kassandra Breton, Riley Galipeau, Ashley Patten and Madyson Hickman.

Student volunteers get first assignment

LISBON – Twenty Lisbon Community School fifth-graders attended school on Nov. 10, a staff professional development day, a no-school day for students. Students attended a class to become junior volunteers in the Lisbon School Department.

Students were given their first volunteer assignment by Doug Stone of the Lewiston Elks Lodge. Stone presented the school with personal dictionaries for every fifth-grade student as part of the Elks Literacy Project.

Junior volunteers were recruited to deliver dictionaries to all Lisbon Community School fifth-grade classrooms.

“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 500 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, offer babysitting for PTO events and assist the Lisbon Boosters 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 school during approved times by teachers and parents. The training class acquaints students with the procedures of the program and areas needing assistance in school and throughout the community.

Students are accepted in the program with approval by their teachers and parents. A pledge is taken by the recruits, accepting the guidelines of the program, including maintaining confidentiality.

Junior volunteers are issued a photo identification badge and a package of information, and log sheets for recording the monthly time dedicated to the program.

At the end of the school year, all students contributing more than 50 hours of service will be awarded the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Monica Millhime at 754-0021 or e-mail [email protected].