Students serve to earn diplomas

By Adelaide Breier

Editorial Assistant

At Crete Monee High School (CMHS), earning a diploma requires more than passing a class; students need 28 hours of community service. If the 28-hour requirement is not met, graduation will not be possible.

Senior Brianna Bielak looks for community service opportunities. Photo by Amiyah Rice.

“I currently have two community service hours. I earned them by staying after school and helping recruit eighth-graders to join the yearbook club during the eighth-grade open house. I think that community service is overall enjoyable, especially when you have friends to do it with,” freshman Nathan Garza said.

Students have to record their community service hours on School Links. School Links is a website CMHS uses for students to explore different careers, search for colleges, and create academic plans for the future. Students must add an entry to School Links with information about what they did and the organization for which it was done.

“Community service is a graduation requirement because it ensures that all students gain meaningful experiences outside the classroom. It helps prepare them for life after high school by building responsibility, work ethic, and community awareness. The goal is for students to leave high school not just academically prepared, but also as active and engaged members of their community,” Community Service Coordinator Kevin Letz said.

Students should complete 7.5 hours of community service per year. CMHS offers multiple opportunities to get community service hours. School programs, such as sports, band, clubs, and others, also offer many opportunities to get involved in community service.

“Students can volunteer in a variety of ways, including school events like open house, PBIS activities, and helping teachers or clubs. We also partner with local organizations like park districts, community events, and service groups to provide opportunities. I regularly share flyers, announcements, and sign-up links so students can find opportunities that fit their schedules,” Lentz said.

Students don’t have to volunteer at school; they can also find other ways to contribute to the community. One of the biggest ways people contribute is by volunteering at their church or working at local food pantries.

“I actually have all of my community service hours done. I earned them from helping out at my ballet studio and assisting the younger kids. Doing this for two hours every week earned me all my hours. I also earned a couple of hours through the volleyball program here at the school,” freshman Leila Thoresen said.