Giving Back: How ACHS Students Are Earning Service Hours and Making It Count

By Lilly Wadewitz

One of the graduation requirements at Anderson County High School is completing 60 service hours, and students are finding plenty of ways to get those hours while also giving back to the community. Teachers recommend getting about 10 hours during freshman and sophomore years, and 20 hours during junior and senior years so it does not all pile up at the end.

There are lots of different ways students can earn service hours. Many sports teams and clubs work concession stands, which is a popular option. The KAY Club is another big one, since it is all about doing good deeds and helping out in the community.

Sophomores Kylah Stoy and Lillian Wadewitz spend their time volunteering at bingo concessions every Tuesday and at Roots youth group every Wednesday. Even though they already have all their required hours, they still show up to help. Stoy said her favorite part is “meeting and bonding with everyone.” Both also enjoy working with younger kids at Roots and helping teach them while spending time together.

Other students are getting creative with how they earn their hours. Sophomore Paisley Clinton babysits during the summer, while Sophomore Hayden Wright helps out at the Crimson Dancers and Rotary Club fireworks stand. Frehman Brodie Wyser volunteers at Cornstock, and Sophomore Shepard Carver helps with the Knights of Columbus.

A lot of students also pitch in at the First Christian Church’s Vacation Bible School.

No matter how they choose to do it, ACHS students are finding ways to turn service hours into something more than just a requirement. For many, it is a chance to meet new people, help others, and be part of the community.