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Hubbard Salvation Army service unit honors local partners

Community Service at TCTC

Focus on the Walk, Instead of the Talk.
One of the high school graduation requirements for students in all 50 states is passing a course in American Government. Educated citizens who understand the rule of law are the most important constituents of a democracy. It is not enough however to know the amendments to the constitution or the workings of the Electoral College. Students should have the opportunity to observe and participate in the civic process.
At the TCTC, Government students are required to attend a minimum of three meetings in the community. They can select from a broad range including Board of Education meetings, County Commissioners meetings, city council or trustee meetings.
Additionally, students must perform three hours of community service during the second semester of the school year. They may select from a list of approved agencies provided by their teachers. No student was allowed to be compensated or paid for their efforts. This year, many of them volunteered to serve meals at the Warren Family Mission or assist with the Habitat for Humanity.
After completing the service requirement, it is necessary for students to put their thoughts into words. They submit reflections which summarize their experiences. The final task is to translate their words into an action plan. They identify an area of need in the community and propose solutions to the problem.
Rex King, a junior from Bristol, enrolled in Carpentry did some thinking outside of the box for his community service project. Since his family races cars at the Sharon Speedway, Rex received permission from the Eastwood Mall to display a Big Block Dirt Custom Car inside the Mall. As interested spectators approached the vehicle to ask questions, they could not help but see the sign requesting donations for the Warren Family Mission. Rex collected $400 for this worthy cause.
Rex considered his experience to be a valuable one. "If we were not required to do this project, I would probably not have thought about the importance of extending a helping hand to others. I know the Mission does good work getting people back on their feet. It felt good to make a contribution."
Matt Brichetto is a junior who was home schooled before deciding to attend the TCTC for the current year. He is enrolled in Information Tech Prep. He volunteered to tutor elementary students from low-income families. He did this in cooperation with a program operated by the Northmar Church. By helping young children to improve their grades, he believes that it increases their odds of graduating from high school. He said, "This community service project made me realize that we can't rely on the government for everything. Individuals need to invest their time and energy to make things better."
The contributions of Rex King and Matt Brichetto are mirrored by more than 400 similar stories. The self reflection journals submitted by the students reinforced the premise that student learning occurs beyond the classroom. They indicated by overwhelming numbers, their satisfaction with the project. Some will continue to attend Board of Education meetings or volunteer to help with service agencies in the future. Taking an interest in the issues involved in your community is an important step in becoming a productive citizen. In the case of the 450 government students at the Trumbull Career & Technical Center, we say, "Mission Accomplished." No objective test could have done the job as well.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTSOS.

Representing the Hubbard Unit is Charles Hudak - representing Devine's Shop and Save is Ed Devine, C's Waffle house is represented by Sherry Plummer, Walgreen's my manager Frank Bethle and Nemez's IGA by manager Darcy O'Dell.
The Hubbard Service Unit of the Salvation Army meets the last Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. The Hubbard Presbyterian Church hosts these meetings.  Interested church members are urged to attend.

The local Salvation Army Service Unit sponsored by the Hubbard area churches honored local establishments that assisted in providing locations for the "red kettle." The four establishments Devine's Shop and Save, Walgreen's Drug Store, C's Waffle House and Nemez's IGA resulted in a successful campaign.  The funds raised will serve Hubbard Area residents that have emergency needs. Service can be obtained once every 12 months.

The Trumbull County LEAP Group enjoyed a day of Scrapbooking at the Children Rehab Center in Howland on Wednesday, April 9.  CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.