ABERDEEN, S.D. – For Aberdeen Central senior Danica Klein, giving back has been a huge part of her high school career.
Klein has volunteered at numerous events throughout high school because of her involvement in Central’s SADD chapter.
When she first decided to volunteer, it was because it would be a nice addition to her college application. But that quickly changed once she realized how much she enjoyed volunteering.
“I just like the way it feels knowing that I’m helping other people,” said Klein, who is now CHS SADD President.
Klein is one of the numerous Aberdeen Public School District students who volunteer in the local community each year.
From elementary through high school, students find ways to give back, either on their own or through involvement in a student organization. Aberdeen elementary students, for example, give back through activities such as Salvation Army bellringing.
At the middle school level, opportunities have included students from Simmons Middle School volunteering at a sale benefiting the Aberdeen Area Humane Society. At Holgate Middle School, opportunities have included students in Mr. Brent Stanek and Mrs. Cassandra Schumacher’s classes recently volunteering at the Table of Plenty meal at Zion Lutheran Church.
At Central High School, many student organizations hold volunteer events. That includes the CHS SADD Chapter and CHS Educators Rising. Below are the two organizations’ volunteer events from this year:
SADD:
· Table of Plenty
· Lincoln Fun Night
· YMCA Luau
· Salvation Army Thanksgiving and Christmas Banquet
· Moose Halloween, Christmas and Easter parties
· Help at the elementary schools for Red Ribbon Week
· Halloween safety presentations at the elementary schools
· YMCA Spooktacular
Educators Rising:
· Help C.C. Lee Strider Bike
· Simmons Elementary PTA Childwatch
· Eagle Games at C.C. Lee
· 2nd grade Native American and Pioneer Games at C.C. Lee
· Balloon Parade with Mrs. Rux at May Overby
· Lincoln Fun Night
· O.M. Tiffany book fair help
· Knight for a Princess
· Early Learners Celebration
· Presenting a breakout session at state Educators Rising
Started Volunteering as a Freshman
Klein got started volunteering her freshman year when she first joined SADD. Now she’s not only the chapter president, but she also serves at the national level, representing South Dakota on the Student-Led Committee (SLC).
Klein has volunteered at events such as YMCA and Moose youth events and the Salvation Army banquet. Central’s SADD will also put on fundraisers each year to raise money for a local charitable organization.
For students unsure how to volunteer, Klein suggests getting involved with a school club. Volunteering is something she recommends her fellow students do. Klein said she actually tries to get her friend to volunteer quite a bit as a way to hang out.
“It’s really fun when you have friends there to help volunteer because you’re doing one-on-one time and you’re giving back to the community as well,” she said. “And it does look good on a college application.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.