Students discover their community through giving

ST. JOHN VALLEY/Frenchville - On Wednesday afternoon, students from Susan Dubay's Jobs for Maine Grads class at the St, John Valley Technology Center donated $1000 to the Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp.

IT JUST FELT RIGHT - Susan Dubay's class presents a $1000 check to Kiaera Caron of the Aroostook Teen leadership Camp as part of a lesson in discovering the local community through philanthropy.  Shown here are (front) Kelsey Denis, Nicole Morin, Shelby Voisine, Kiaera Caron, Kristine Martin, Brandon Ouellette, Shane Theriault, Cassidy Ouellette, Courtney Ouellette (front) Holly hafford, Ben Fishman, Jonathan O'Leary and Tyson Dubay. - Birden image

The donation came from money the Unity Foundation allotted to schools that participate in the Jumpstart Our Youth (JOY) program.

The students sent out 30 invitations to various non-profit organizations in the area, asking the groups to come to the Tech Center to give a presentation about their organization and how the applicant intended to use the money.

Student Shelby Voisine said the class sent out 30-40 invitations and received four responses.  She said the four applicants came to the school on consecutive days and gave their presentations to the students.

Voisine said, "It made us feel responsible because this is a big sum of money to give to someone that needs it."

A representative of ATLC, Kiaera Caron, gave one of the presentations.  The junior from Fort Kent Community High School impressed the class with her enthusiasm and preparation.  The thirteen of the nineteen students in the class voted to give the money to ATLC.

On Wednesday, the class presented a large check to Caron.  The young ATLC camp counselor and Big Sister said the organization would use the money to support students so they could attend the camp.

Dubay said, "It was her professionalism..." that made the deciding factor for the class.

Voisine said, "They (ATLC) were the one that directed mostly to youth.  The things they learn at the camp are what we need."

Student Jonathan O'Leary said the experience of researching the local groups was valuable.  He said, "It's to help our community."

Brandon Ouellette said, "You see that it makes an impact."

Instructor Dubay said, "Philanthropy is a wonderful learning experience for our students."