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I teach high school. Since I came to my current district in 2000, there has been a requirement that students complete 20 hours of community service during their senior course in government. I have no problem with that. I was active in the community when I was in high school and I think students should do the same, to open themselves up to the world and find out what others face.

Recently, I faced some minor surgery. At the end of that long, long, long day, a high school student volunteer rolled me out to the car in a wheelchair. I asked him if he was doing this for his community service hours at school and his reply: "Not really, I do it cause I like it." Well, there is a boy after my own heart.

I have graded numerous essays/write-ups and almost to a student, they said the experience did open their eyes and they saw another side of the community. Many students are very self serving and if takes a requirement to open their eyes, well then so be it.

There are numerous high school groups like Key Club, 'S' Club' and InterAct in which students can volunteer their hours on and off campus. I urge all students to check them out. Check with teachers, the Guidance Office or Career Center to find out more about the groups.

Learn more about this author, Tom Ontis.
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