Tammy Twigg, 2007, Allegany High School (government), 301-777-8110, tammytwigg@allconet.org  

Let's Beautify Cumberland Day

My students and community have recognized the need for citizen involvement to help revitalize and rejuvenate our local neighborhoods.  Let’s Beautify Cumberland Day is a collaborative effort between our local County United Way, businesses, and schools that teaches our students about the importance of a clean environment and the positive impact that humans can have on the environment.  My students became involved when I contacted our local Board of Education and I asked about my students becoming involved because this event tied into our Voluntary State Curriculum and the Core Learning Goals for government.  This was a terrific hands-on activity that allowed me to teach my students about the Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air Act.  This annual event allows the community and our students to come together and help clean up blighted neighborhoods.

Brian White, 2000, Allegany High School (Social Studies), 301-777-8110, Briantwhite@excite.com

History of Theaters in Allegany County

In social studies seminar class, students wrote a book on the history of theaters in Allegany County. The intent of the project was to capture a moment of our local history before it is lost forever and to provide companionship for local senior citizens.

Barbara Rinehart, 1999, Fort Hill High (English I, Student Service), (301) 777-2570

As the service-learning coordinator at my school, I pair students with local and national organizations in order to help students find service opportunities suited to their individual needs.

Jeannette Rinehart, 1998, Flintstone School (PE/Health), 301-478-2434

I'm the service-learning coordinator at my school. In the past, we've organized a Health Fair for the community and a Senior Citizens Day for the school.

W. D., 1998, Westmar High School (English), 301-463-5751

High School Tutors for Elementary Students

About 30 high school students tutor elementary school students in two elementary schools. The students being tutored have learning difficulties or special learning needs. We have found placing ten to fifteen tutors in any one school to be the most efficient as any more creates an overcrowding problem.

Bonnie Humbertson, 1998, Washington Middle School (Reading), 301-777-5360

I'm the service-learning coordinator at my school. Our 8th grade students adopt Friends Aware patients (mentally handicapped adults) who have no contact with family at all. Students make cards, tree ornaments, placemats and seasonal decorations for them and personalize them to let them know someone cares. Letters and thinking of you notes are also sent to them. The purpose of the program is to make students aware of differences in people and that differences are okay because everyone is special.

Roberta Clarke, 1997, Washington Middle School (Home Economics), 301-777-5360

My students worked throughout the year making pillow cases and tote bags for the local shelter, as well as participating in fundraising drives for the shelter. We are replicating the Kids Sew for Kids model program. I am also infusing service into my grade 8 classes through a unit on aging.

Daniel Whetzel, 1997, Allegany High School (World History, Economics), 301-777-8110

Students construct cardboard shelters in preparation for the "Homeless Project." They are also required to collect articles of clothing, food or cash donations to participate in the sleep out. All money and donated items are directly distributed to local residents.

Michael Lewis, 1996, 301-777-2375, mlewis@miworld.net

"The Homeless Project." We spend one month in preparational action leading to "The Sleepout." We not only created a new awareness of homelessness and its poverty, but we raised over $20,000 in clothing, food, and cash. These items were distributed directly to the poor.