Bellevue Wolverine Guard

Volunteering at the Bellevue Farmers Market. It is a great opportunity to interact with others and be outside while giving back to the community.. Photo by Finley

Most students at Bellevue high get their 40 hours of required community service out of the way and don’t think about it again. Many high school students volunteer to put it on their college application, but volunteering can give you experience outside of your daily routine. Volunteering brings a lot of value to students by getting them out of their comfort zone, requiring them to do research, and interacting with adults and children. It helps develop interviewing skills and can help introduce you to a diverse group of community members. The biggest reward is the impact on the community, helping those who are less fortunate, and supporting philanthropies in need.

One way Bellevue High School pushes students to volunteer is the Wolverine Guard PTSA sponsored award that recognizes students for volunteering over 100 hours from May 1 to April 30. It is not an easy award to obtain; a student must carefully track their hours and get them signed off before the cut-off date. Recipients of this award are listed on the Bellevue High PTSA website, and students with two consecutive years of Wolverine Guard receive a special cord to wear at graduation. This award highlights students who spend time giving back to their communities.

Bellevue High School has some favorites when it comes to volunteering. For example, Shirts Across America offers students the chance to go to Alabama and Louisiana in order to learn about social justice and help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

“Shirts Across America was great experience for me because it changed my perspective on volunteering and taught me how much of an impact you can make from community service,” says junior Lynzie Schiller.

If you are looking for a local place, a favorite is Bellevue Farmers Market, which runs from May through October. Volunteers assist with vendor set-up, clean, count customers attending the event and take pictures for their social media.

“I like working at Bellevue Farmers Market because I get to interact with customers. I also get to be outside and enjoy the summer weather while volunteering,” said sophomore Saige Haynie.

Jubilee Reach needs volunteers to grocery shop for their food bank, sort groceries and help with their thrift store and daycare activities.

“Volunteering at the thrift store was a great experience because the workers are super supportive and make helping out enjoyable,” says sophomore Lea Trittenbass.

At the end of the day, Wolverine Guard is about stepping up and making a difference. Students looking to get involved can learn more through the Wolverine Guard page on the BHS PTSA website.