CARIBOU, Maine — Local high school students have learned an invaluable lesson in the importance of service and giving back to their community.
Caribou High School’s JMG specialist Dr. Valerie Ann Waldemarson says when you become a student in her class you automatically become part of her non-profit organization that partners with public education and private businesses.
“The Career Association has four goals: social awareness, civic awareness, leadership development and career development,” Waldemarson said. “Under ‘civic awareness’ there is a strong emphasis on community service and community engagement.”
Waldemarson challenged her students at the beginning of the month to create a student-led event that would benefit them, their peers, the school and the community.
Her students decided on a food drive to support the local Caribou Ecumenical Food Pantry. The students had an initial goal of collecting 1,000 non-perishable food items.
“I’m proud to say that they have doubled that and ended up with over 2,000 items,” she said.
Students reached out to local businesses such as Sullivan’s Floor Covering, County Qwik Print, Dollar Tree, Cindy’s Sub Shop and R.H. Foster.
“This opportunity allowed my students to meet these business owners which only added value to this whole experience,” she said. “It also opened doors for them as we learn and explore the Career Association goal of career development.”
Waldemarson began her program in August and since has received overwhelming support from the community and businesses.
“We have had multiple members of our community serve as guest speakers and offered their time to educate my students about their line of work,” she said.
Since last year, JMG students have invested more than 1,100 individual student hours in community service activities.
“As the specialist I am overwhelmed with pride when I think about how much they have embraced their community and their desire to serve others,” Waldemarson said.
“Being a part of the JMG Ecumenical Food Pantry food drive has been an extreme honor,” CHS freshman James Belyea said. “It is fulfilling to be able to help my community of Caribou in such a way. It has taught me how I can help those in need.”
When CHS senior Conner Spencer began this project she was nervous about visiting local businesses and speaking with “important people” in the community.
“I quickly realized that they were all very willing to donate and offer services because they care just as deeply about their community,” Spencer said. “They were genuinely happy that youth were getting involved in this food pantry initiative. JMG has helped me so much by being the soft push to getting me places. I have learned many lessons and I apply them all of the time. This project was an eye-opener for me because it really showed me how easy it was to ask for community help and receive it. Caribou is a great little town.”
JMG (formerly Jobs for Maine Grads) offers results-driven solutions to ensure all Maine students graduate, attain post-secondary credentials and pursue meaningful careers.
“JMG has made a huge impact on me and my life. I love giving back to the community and to those who need it,” CHS sophomore Kayla Creasey said. “Participating in the JMG Ecumenical Food Pantry Drive made me realize that you can never stop giving. There is someone that will always need help. I know many people in our community need help and I am glad to be a part of helping them.”
