As the school year comes to a close, the Class of 2018 transforms into a student body of volunteers and professionals – all in part to “Senior Service.”

“Senior Service” allows seniors to finish their high school experience with a community or professional service project. Whereas some students decide to remain in school for their final weeks of high school, others bring home notebooks, return textbooks and say “goodbye” to teachers and staff until they return for graduation.

The Class of 2018 is involved with a wide range of opportunities this year, but working with Physical Education teachers is a popular choice. Seniors Elisa Leone and Kristen Dunn will assist Rebecca Baskinger, Kiel School Physical Education teacher. Leone says, “I chose to assist a P.E. teacher because I love working with kids and want to have more social skills when going into college and for real world situations.”

Seniors Mediha Hussain and Sean Spreen are involved in a similar project, but they will be helping Benjamin Contella, Pearl R. Miller School Physical Education Teacher. Mediha is especially excited for this project. She said, “Physical Education is a significant part of a child’s school day… It’s a time (for children) to be active, and take a break from tests and classwork.” She hopes to “make sure all the rules are being followed, connect with the students through the activities, and act as a role model for them.”

Some seniors decided to pursue a volunteer opportunity related to their future career. Senior Katya Minervini will be working at Stonybrook School and assisting teachers in different classrooms. She says, “I’m going to college for Special Education and this is a perfect way for me to experience the classroom setting. I hope to learn more about specific positions in my field.”

Even students in the Junior Class have aspirations to participate in this program for the 2018-2019 school year, including Katie Summerville, who has always been interested in the medical field. “As a senior, I would love to do Senior Service at a Doctor’s Office and it is special because a lot of schools do not provide an opportunity like this.” Similar to Minervini’s goal, Summerville believes “It gives students a chance to experience the profession before going to college.”

This unique program truly has a bright future and will grow. Best of luck goes out to the seniors participating this year!