TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Their Future Looks Bright

ADVERTISEMENT

By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

RUSKIN - As Donna Guajardo, 16, sorts through donated linens, 15-year-old Heather Beatty dries litter boxes at an animal shelter. Just a few miles away, Jeanine Tatlock, 15, shelves library books, while Brittany Prescott, 14, works with camp counselors and kids.

None of the girls know each other, but they all are doing the same thing - earning volunteer hours they hope will help pay their way through college.
High school students planning to earn a Florida Academic Scholarship through the state's Bright Futures program must complete a minimum of 75 approved volunteer hours as part of the criteria.

But that's not the only reason these teens are working at nonprofit organizations other than being couch potatoes or hanging out at the mall.

"This is not just about the scholarship," said Guajardo, a Lennard High School junior. Mary and Martha House "is a very charitable organization. It makes me feel good to work here."

Co-worker Apolonia Reza, 21, agreed. The East Bay High graduate is a junior at Florida State University, who was awarded a Bright Futures scholarship in 2006. "I would not have been able to go to college without it."

Reza, who volunteered more than 300 hours at the Ruskin Branch Library while she was in high school, said she feels volunteering is a "win-win" for all concerned.

"I'm here because it feels good to do something good for others," she said.

"Most colleges and universities are looking for some type of community service that addresses a social need and is for a nonprofit organization," said Kayzie Weaver, guidance resource counselor at East Bay. "And we encourage them to focus their volunteer work on organizations close to home."

Beyond the reward of a scholarship, the act of volunteering teaches students responsibility, empathy and skills that can help them in college or future employment. Teens perform all kinds of services, from providing companionship to the elderly or working in soup kitchens to mentoring at-risk children or helping with voter registration.

Jan Falcione works with teen volunteers as the community resource manager at the Mary and Martha House thrift store.

"These kids are invaluable to our organization," Falcione said. "True, they have a goal, but they're also learning the importance of a strong work ethic, acquiring job skills and building a solid reference. Volunteering teaches them the value of community service. It's a fun, positive experience for them."

"We wouldn't be able to offer the programs we do without them," said Bryan Beckham, senior recreation director at YMCA's Camp Cristina. "Camp just wouldn't be possible without them."

For information, visit www.floridastudentfinancial aid.org or www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.

WHERE TO VOLUNTEER

MARY AND MARTHA HOUSE: 1009 First St. S.W., Ruskin; (813) 645-7874. The facility provides emergency shelter and support services to homeless and abused women and their children.

CRITTER ADOPTION AND RESCUE EFFORT: 1528 27th St. S.E., Ruskin; (813) 645-2273. The facility is a no-kill animal shelter that finds homes for stray or abandoned dogs and cats.

FRIENDS OF THE LITTLE MANATEE STATE PARK: 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma; (813) 677-9291. The group raises money for projects within the park that are not funded by the state. It also provides volunteers to assist park rangers.

LIFEPATH HOSPICE: 3725 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin; (813) 642-1917. The organization helps the dying and their families cope with end-of-life issues.

NEARLY NEW SHOP: 1515 State Road 674, Sun City Center; (813) 642-9099. The business is a thrift shop that raises money through sales of donated items. It funds scholarships for local high school students.

COMMUNITY CUPBOARD: 1424 College Ave. E., Ruskin; (813) 641-1305. The food bank provides food for South Shore families who are in need.

GOOD SAMARITAN MISSION: 14920 Balm-Wimauma Road, Wimauma; (813) 634-7136. The mission helps low-income, farm-worker families with their food and clothing needs.

CAMP CRISTINA: 9840 Balm-Riverview Road, Riverview; (813) 677-8400. The camp is part of the YMCA, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong children, families and communities using Judeo-Christian principles.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: 3736 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; (813)239-2242. The organization helps build homes for low-income families.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS HILLSBOROUGH: 7402 N. 56th St., Suite 850, Tampa; (813) 927-7346. It provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for adults and children with physical and mental challenges.

WHAT TO DO

The following community service requirements must be met for students to receive a Florida Academic Scholars Award:

• Complete proposal form and submit for approval prior to beginning community service.

• Complete 75 hours of service by addressing no more than three approved social issues.

• Summarize and evaluate experience on designated form.

• Keep copies of documentation on everything submitted.

• Perform voluntary service during non-school hours; compensation of any kind is not allowed.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT