Sequim students making their community better are getting some extra kudos — and a badge of pride — for their efforts.
United Way of Clallam County announced in late April their Youth United program is now established at Sequim High School.
Youth United is a program that encourages students to give back to the community and awards them with a varsity letter in community service for their efforts.
High school students who complete 145 or more hours of community service between April 1, 2018-March 31, 2019, are eligible to earn the varsity letter. They must have at least 50 hours of non-school related volunteering, 10 hours of school-related volunteering and have at least a 2.0 grade-point-average.
Students will apply for the letters, which will be awarded at the end of the school year. Sequim High School students should contact Sequim Sean O’Mera, Sequim High School ASB advisor, for Youth United applications.
The Youth United program started in the Sequim School District with the help of SHS senior, Haelee Andres and O’Mera, a teacher at Sequim High.
“Haelee was the main driving force behind bringing this program to Sequim High School,” O’Mera said. “She is the senior class Senator and a four-year member of the high school student government. In addition, she is a leader in the school’s Interact Club, a club that partners with local nonprofits to complete service projects and do other good deeds for the community.
“Haelee advocated for, initiated, and helped install the Youth United lettering for community service program at Sequim High School. The whole community will benefit thanks to Haelee’s leadership and vision of the positive impact the Youth United program will make.”
Youth United was established at Port Angeles High School in 2012. This month, 21 Port Angeles High School students will be honored for the Youth United program at a school board meeting. Port Angeles High School students should contact the AmeriCorps volunteers in Room 109 at the high school for applications.
Youth United is in process to be started in the Crescent and Quillayute Valley School Districts.
Learn more about Youth United and United Way of Clallam County at www.unitedwayclallam.org/youth-united.
