Five Washougal High School students who demonstrated commitment to their school and community through volunteer service work have earned a varsity letter for that effort. Letters were awarded to senior Bryce Samwel; juniors Nick Costa-Stange and Deni Ortiz; and freshmen Michael Stevens and Bridgette McCarthy.
The community service varsity letter program was launched in June 2013. In 2014, a single student, Nicole Gamble, earned the distinction.
“It is wonderful to provide recognition that is very meaningful to students for the time and energy they put forth volunteering,” said Marsha Spencer, outgoing WHS career technical education director. “We believe this program helps to support positive interaction between Washougal students and the community, and help to inspire a habit of service that these students will have for a lifetime.”
To earn a varsity letter, students must complete and document at least 150 hours of qualifying community service hours. That requirement is based on an estimate of hours needed for practice to participate in a varsity high school sport. No more than 50 of their volunteer hours can be school-related. The balance must be earned in the community, such as working with churches, service organizations, non-profit organizations, 4H and Scouts.
The Washougal students were also recognized by the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club.
“The recognition is nice,” said Samwel. “But it is not why we do this.”
He earned many of his volunteer hours at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital at the help desk, discharging patients, delivering food and helping to guide visitors.
McCarthy was able to learn about conservation and the environment through her volunteer work at the Oregon Zoo in Portland.
“I worked to educate the public about animals and habitat and how to protect them,” she said. “We even went to elementary schools and talked about recycling and the positive affect it has on black bears. I learned how to talk at different levels to different audiences.”
Rounding out her volunteer work, McCarthy also volunteered with UNITE! Washougal Community Coalition.
With an eye on a career in law enforcement, Stevens completed this community service work as part of the Clark County Explorer Post 893. A portion of that time was learning skills through the Washington Law Enforcement Explorers’ Auxiliary Academy.
“The training is in Yakima, in the summer and winter so it is either really hot or really cold.” Stevens said. “I learned everything from social contact to practice on the shooting range. I also learned things like report writing and traffic stop protocol.”
He plans to study computer science after high school to provide a variety of options in a law enforcement career. Stevens also volunteered as a lifeguard at the Camas Pool.
Community Service Varsity Letter program forms and more information, such as what type of volunteer work qualifies, can be found at www.washougal.k12.wa.us/whs/departments/counseling.htm.
“Volunteerism assists students to gain experiences to help qualify them for various scholarships, bolster their college applications and for use on their resumes,” said Spencer. “The WHS varsity letter program provides another reason to get involved and help provide them with the recognition they deserve.”
