Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2009)
4p009 5 Volunteering presents many opportunities for students looking to participate in community E ta S antoro Staff Reporter Whether its cuddling with kittens at an animal shelter or shelving books at a library, many organizations depend on volunteers. But what's in it for the person who is giving service without pay? By volunteering, individuals are learning how to reach out in their local communities. People of all ages and abilities can volunteer. Rebecca Zilk, sophomore, enjoys volunteering at the West Linn Public Library. She offers book suggestions, helps plan events for teens at the library, and even watches small children while their parents look for books. She found out about the volunteer opportunity when the library offered some volunteer jobs during their has been volunteeringThere for five summers. "Our job is to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife," Smith said. Along with that, she Colleges sometimes look for people who have done community service," Rebecca Zilk, sophomore said. Volunteering can make up for individuals with very involved in sports, I like to be involved in school activities, and I overall like leading and helping, which I do volunteering," Hannah Deluca, junior, said. m S u m m e r R e a d in g P r o g r a m . >he meets the Teen Advisor Board the first Tuesday of the month and also attends other scheduled meetings. "Volunteering is a good way to help your community," Zilk, sophomore, said. A small volunteer job can spark more opportunities in more areas. Jessica Smith, senior, applied for her volunteer job at the Oregon Zoo when she was in eighth grade. During the summer camps, programs were offering volunteer jobs. She At the West Linn Public Library, Becca Zilk, sophomore, reads to a young patron. Volunteer jobs are proven to build self-esteem and provide job experience. Photo by Eta Santoro also is committed to her family farm and African Pygmy Goat Corral and the Ed Animal House. When applying for college, volunteering can boost chances of being admitted, according to an article by Kerrie Troseth on Suite 101. low grade point averages or lower scores on an entrance exam. It gives the convenience to average and below-average students to still have a chance of getting a good education. "I volunteer because I want things for a college application since I am not C hess does not equal boring C hr RBiN N FI Staff Reporters Say "chess" and people often think boring and picture old men in the park. With chess games such as "Blindfold Chess" and "Blitzing," Avi Levy, Zachary Hansen, Matthew Kirsch, Jonathan Shepherd, seniors, and Alexander Wise, junior, are binding, blockading and breaking their way into the chess world. "We are not as hard core as people tend to think. We just care about having a good time, and we want to win," Shepherd said. "I do what any other normal student does: my homework, hanging out with friends and watching movies." Along with everyday life, members also participate in and other activities. For ’p BRance, Hansen is a member ' of the Boys' Rugby Team and Avi Levy, senior, contemplates his next move during a Chess Club meeting. Levy played first board this season and helped the team to take fourth place at State. Photo by Alison Fieldhouse likes to ski when he gets the chance. The boys first formed an interest in starting Chess Club because they wanted a place at school where they could compete, but also enjoy the social aspects of the game. According to the boys, they view it as a social gathering rather than a club. continued on page 6 Little rewards can result from volunteering too. Andra Sturtevant, senior, volunteers at the Northwest Children's Theatre in Portland. She ushers during performances and earns the chance to see a show for free. Another student, Inyoung Jung, junior, traveled to another country while helping doctors nurse patients. Kendall Weierich, freshmen, received the chance of working with scriptwriter Mike Rich while volunteering at the annual golf tournament for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Although volunteering is required in certain programs, such as the National Honors Society, other students decide to do so or help as a part of a class project or as a member of another organization. "I volunteer because it feels like I'm contributing something to the community, doing my part, and also because I really feel that the volunteer work needs to be done. People out there need help, and it's our responsibility to help them and the Earth," Miranda James, freshmen, said. Individuals are assigned certain hours to work and their jobs can range from small quick tasks to lengthy ones, but all are equally meaningful. "Some volunteer jobs can be fun even if they may not sound like it," Darian Royse, sophomore, said. Royse assists in outdoor jobs such as participating in the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and clearing blackberry bushes. Working together as a team can provide fun between individuals while helping out, according to Royse. The school website has a section dedicated to volunteer information. Here students can find places that are in need of volunteers. Available volunteer jobs in West Linn include helping children with homework, cleaning buildings, delivering meals, directing as a youth leader, caring for animals, or keeping an eye on neighborhood parks. The Career Center, located next to the library, also posts volunteer opportunities. Students can also visit Jamie Welle, Career Center Secretary, at the Career Center for additional information. She is at the school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3p.m. Welle can also be reached by phone 503-673- 7833 or e-mail WelleJ@wlwv. kl2.or.us. For direct on-line access, students can go to http://www.wlhs.wlwv. kl2.or.us/WLHS_guidance. html and click on the 'Volunteering' link to find more posts. According to a study by AmeriCorps, volunteering can lead to improved mental and physical health. People who have suffered from depression have found joy in helping out and working with others. Others with anger management issues who need something to do turn to volunteering. Many skills can be learned from working or helping out in the community. Strength, courage, and responsibility can all be attained when volunteering. "I lead a very blessed life and have been given more than I deserve. I feel the need to help others and find joy when someone else benefits because of something I may have said or done, or given them the confidence to do themselves," Hannah Stout, junior, said.
