Over the last several years, Hewitt’s Student Service Board shifted from required service hours to grade level community service projects. In the past, Hewitt required 20 hours per year of community service; students volunteered with an organization of their choice over the course of the year in order to graduate. The class of 2015 was the last grade who had to complete service hours.

Recently, community service has been geared more towards service learning. That means learning about world issues and finding ways to connect, help, learn, and become advocates. Grades 9 through 12 are completing year long projects to contribute to organizations in any way possible. Grades 9 through 11 decided to work on girls’ education while the senior class is working on issues related to human trafficking.

Students Making Sandwiches for the Bowery Mission
Students Making Sandwiches for the Bowery Mission at Saturday Service Fair in October (photo by Lucy Stone)

This new approach to community service asks every girl to voice her opinion. It is no longer about the hours put in, but instead, it focuses on what the students are most passionate about.

Hewitt students have mixed feelings about the change. Some believe that requiring community service makes it less meaningful. By only doing what is required to confirm the hours, students disregard what actually matters.

“I think Hewitt made the right decision in taking away required service hours,” said Taylor Sitomer ‘18, a member of the Student Service Board. “The whole purpose of service hours is to give back to the community, and it’s not a worthwhile thing to do when the students are cramming and doing last minute, un-meaningful service, just because they are required to do so.”

Other students believe that the requirement was good, because it forced students to help out, learn, and become aware of new interests they might have.

“I think it is bad that school is taking away the requirement, because while some students do community service on their own, others don’t, and we should keep trying to promote it,” said Elizabeth Young ’18.

Students participating in the Jump-a-thon to raise money for GirlUp
Students participating in the Jump-a-Thon to raise money for GirlUp at Service Saturday in October (photo: Lucy Stone)

Although there is no longer a required number of hours, the tradition of community service at Hewitt with continue.

“Doing service helps students develop confidence and empathy, build friendships, and learn to problem solve independently”, said Mrs. Smith, Hewitt Director of Service.

Along with the Thanksgiving drive every year, students raise money for UNICEF and collect food for the Souper Bowl at the end of January, supporting New York Common Pantry.

The change in Hewitt’s service program focuses on connecting with other student groups and partnering with outside organizations, such as Girl Up and AmeriCares.The freedom to select an issue by grade level has shown Hewitt girls’ passion for supporting other young women around the world.

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