The halls of Loudoun County High School feel a little empty these last few weeks of school, as many members of the Senior Class are participating in Captains Outreach.
The Outreach program began with the Class of 2017 as a way for seniors to opt out of the last few weeks of classes in order to complete 50 hours of service to their community.
According to Captains Outreach committee member Siri Narne, seniors are volunteering at schools throughout the county, Mobile Hope, Loudoun County Animal Services, parks and more.
"We also have seniors who are volunteering at very specific locations that align with their passions/future career interest," she said. "For example, there are seniors working at sports facilities, dental offices, strength and conditioning facilities, etc."
In addition to Narne, the seniors who spearheaded this year's Outreach program are Kaya Banks, Rauly Garcia, Pierson Lee, Caroline Miley, Natalie Schoch, and Sam Takemoto.
"As a member of the outreach committee, I think senior outreach is very beneficial as it allows seniors to finish their last couple of weeks of high school by giving back to the community," Narne said. "Those working in schools/with teachers, specifically, are really able to give back as educators have played a major role in our lives throughout the last 12+ years. The program as a whole is just really special because it gives all seniors the opportunity to give back to various aspects of the community that have had an impact on their lives."
In addition to those participating in Outreach, other seniors are participating in Captains Inreach -- a program created by LCHS teachers so that students who may not have transportation to other areas of the county can still be of service to their community by helping out with projects around the school. For the past two years, Inreach students have painted upstairs lockers to resemble book jackets, sprucing up the halls of County.
"A heartfelt thank you to all of our seniors participating in Outreach for their hard work, compassion, and meaningful contributions," said Dr. Michelle Luttrell, LCHS principal, in her weekly update to the community. "Although they just began last week, they have already made a noticeable impact, and we are incredibly proud of the remarkable work they are doing to help others as they bring their high school journey to a close."
The Captains Outreach/Inreach program will culminate in a banquet June 2, where participants will present what they accomplished.
"I'm looking forward to the banquet because it'll be one of the last major events where the senior class is together and we'll get to celebrate each other's work," Narne said.
