Students interested in leadership and community service have the opportunity to apply for SHOUT, which stands for Students Helping Others United Together. Events for SHOUT will occur between May 28 and June 2. The program allows seniors to complete 20 hours of community service.
A project information form must be completed online and a signature form must be signed by parents, all teachers, your counselor and your assistant principal. In addition, applicants must have a C average in classes and meet all SOL requirements. All service hours must be logged in x2Vol when completed. If students are working at a school, they must also receive approval from that school prior to submitting the application.
Behind the scenes, West Potomac’s librarians coordinate SHOUT, ensuring that the whole process starts out structured and runs smoothly. “[My role is] to introduce SHOUT to the entire senior class, which is done through government classes. Then I check all the applications to make sure both parts are turned in. Then I verify the project with the sponsor that the students are scheduled to work with,” Ms. Landon said.
Meanwhile, Principal Statz is very optimistic about the program. She stated, “I hope they [seniors] take advantage of it [SHOUT]. I think it’s a great thing for our seniors to get out and give some service to the community. You can also get some experiences while you’re doing it, and you’re giving back.”
Students planning to participate are excited, seeing the program as something more than just required service hours. Senior Lady Nyarko shared that she is excited to volunteer at her former elementary school because she will be able to “connect with her old teachers,” making the experience both meaningful and personal. She emphasized the importance of giving back to a community that helped you in the first place.
Senior Lila Rogers is also volunteering at her alumni elementary school. “I am planning on doing SHOUT because I love to give back to my community. I am volunteering at my old elementary school, Fort Hunt, so it’s like a full circle moment going back after graduating,” she said. As Rogers added, “It helps you visualize how impactful your work can be in your area.”
Another senior is volunteering at a local food pantry. “During my service hours I want to help feed the community and serve meals as much as I can,” Kaitlyn Marshall said.
SHOUT is a great opportunity for seniors to finish their last four years of high school with a positive impact, reunite with old connections and celebrate with a meaningful experience.
“You know seniors get senioritis and it really blooms at that time of year. So this is a great opportunity to be accountable for kids, give them some experiences, and help out their community,” Principal Statz said.
