Student volunteers brighten local spots
Aroostook Aspirations Initiative recently held a unique daylong community service event that took place throughout Aroostook County.
The County Service Challenge on May 21, 2016 brought together volunteers of all ages from six communities in Aroostook County: Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton, Fort Kent, Fort Fairfield and Washburn.
Volunteers participated in 15-20 service projects that included the Nylander Museum, the Caribou Public Library, the Presque Isle Humane Society, the Presque Isle Historical Society, Aroostook State Park, the Fort Fairfield Block House, the Washburn Library, Houlton Elementary School and Pearce Park in Houlton.
The County Service Challenge was designed to encourage youth to volunteer in their local communities and offer them a chance to work alongside adults in service projects that will benefit the communities involved. Community members, schools and towns had the opportunity to win recognitions based on project impact, student participation and percentage of participants per community.
In addition to community recognitions, AAI gave away two round-trip tickets to Boston, courtesy of Pen Air. Participants who donated to the event were entered to win the giveaway. This year’s winner was Jarrett Olson, a volunteer in Washburn.
Several 2015 Gauvin Scholars participated in the challenge and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“The County Service Challenge was a great way of helping the community and making a difference in the County that has always helped me,” said Brittany Harris. “By participating in this event, people get to help the community but also make new friends!”
Stephanie Redman, another 2015 Gauvin Scholar, agreed. “The County Service Challenge is very important in letting The County know that our generation does care about our communities.”
Michaela Dube, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative board member and a student at Presque Isle High School, enjoyed her volunteer experience.
“Volunteering at the state park was a wonderful experience,” Dube said. “Not only did I get to spend the day outside in a beautiful area, but it also created awareness about how much work goes into keeping the state park going and how just a few volunteers can save them weeks of work.”
“There are so many important service projects that need volunteers in Aroostook County,” said Kristen Wells, AAI executive director. “We appreciate support from businesses and community sponsors including John Harvell of State Farm Insurance, Presque Isle Fire Department, Paradis Shop N Save, Big Cheese Pizza, Dominos, Star City IGA, Coca-Cola and Frito Lay that helped make this event possible.”
The event was free of charge, but participants were encouraged to donate to AAI to aid in their work with Aroostook County high school students who wish attend college and pursue work in The County.
For more information about Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, go to gauvinfund.org, call (207) 760-0558 or email info@gauvinfund.org.
