SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — Making a difference is one of the most important responsibilities a person has in his or her lifetime. Without the good deeds that warmhearted people do every day, the world would be at a loss.

“Volunteering does as much for the person helping as it does for the person in need,” said principal Sylvia Atkinson. “It’s, in a sense, our purpose in this world.”

From today’s younger generation to generations past, experiences through volunteering have touched many hearts.

A Senior Leadership student, Tiana Gilbert, had her own story to share. “I taught Bible study to inner city children,” she said. “Most of them had seen horrible things that were difficult for me to imagine. It opened my eyes to how hard other people’s lives can be… and it made me want to help them even more.”

Gilbert’s enthusiasm is shared by many of her peers; and consequently, Lakeside High School hosts numerous organizations whose primary goal is volunteering. Most are available to all high school students, while others are limited to senior students or honor students. Occasionally, a volunteer activity is sponsored exclusively by class representatives. Senior Leadership and Senior Women are community service organizations available to seniors; National Honor Society is available to students who are selected because of good character, superior grades and community involvement; and Student Council is available to elected class representatives.

However, most service organizations at LHS are available to all students. Examples of these include: Key Club, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club; Students Against Destructive Decisions, which focuses on directing students toward making positive life choices; and the Red Cross Club, which primarily helps the American Red Cross with its annual blood drives at the school.

Another charitable organization at LHS is Senior Leadership. This program is offered to every senior student and has a goal of providing volunteer opportunities and service learning projects. The program hosts 51 members, the most in its entire history! Each member is required to volunteer at least 60 hours by the end of the year, and each is also required to create two service learning projects. In the past, some of the programs created were Jackets 4 Juniors and Coats 4 Kids. Additionally, some members serve as Student Ambassadors.

In addition to service projects, each year there are several potential Leadership awards to be distributed, including the Presidential Award. At the end of the year these scholarships are given to students who have excelled in community service.

Also, reinstated at Lakeside this year is Senior Women, which is another community conscious organization. English teacher and adviser Janet Kunes said it provides senior women with an opportunity to unite for a common purpose. In the future, fund-raisers will be held to benefit local charities related to women’s issues in our community. The first official meeting was held Oct. 29.

For a few students, being a member of the National Honor Society is the pinnacle of their achievements at Lakeside. Inductees are chosen based on their outside community involvement, inspiring leadership ability and numerous academic achievements. English teacher and adviser Linda Peters is encouraging all members to volunteer for at least 35 hours of community service.

“In the upcoming months NHS will be able to really be active and make a difference in the community,” said Lisa Roane, president of NHS.

Roane, along with vice president Anthony Colucci, treasurer Jenna Rutz and secretary Sam Reho, are exploring ideas for additional volunteer opportunities and fund-raisers.

Another club that is becoming increasingly popular at Lakeside is Key Club, a service organization sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club.

“We formed it last year because of a student’s interest in community service,” said history teacher Janice Timonere.

Mrs. Timonere and English teacher Lynne Montgomery are the club advisers. The representatives of this organization are: president, Allison Luoma; vice president, Amanda Colbourn; secretary, Sam Reho; and treasurer, Jay Montgomery.

“Key Club is an opportunity for students to work together as a team to change people’s lives,” said Luoma. “Whether it be reading to preschoolers or cleaning up the beach, it is all for the betterment of the community, others and the students themselves.”

Upcoming events for Key Club are plentiful, such as a Holiday Festival, gift wrapping at the mall, a food drive and International Key Club during the week of Nov. 2. All Key Club members must dedicate at least 35 hours toward community service. For members who “go the extra mile,” there is also the possibility of a scholarship.

Red Cross Club, another well known service club, is dedicated to saving lives. Members work hard to organize and assist the blood drives at LHS, meeting two to four times per month, depending on the upcoming event. If the blood drives are successful, and the blood donation goals are reached, the Red Cross Club receives a scholarship to be used for future club activities.

“I am very proud of the students who participate each year in our blood drives,” said Colleen Wheeler, math teacher and club adviser. “They learn that everyone can make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Of course, the club would not be as successful without the diligent-working members and their representatives: president, Tiana Gilbert; vice president, Makenna Hudson; treasurer, Chloe Valerio; and secretary, Nicole Blair.

One of the lesser known organizations at LHS, Students Against Destructive Decisions, is an organization that encourages teen-agers to make good decisions. Darla Cunningham leads the club, along with president Arikka Cottom and vice president Brian Roy. SADD works with Lakeside Junior High students as well.

Being a volunteer has never been more popular at Lakeside or in the nation. Now, more than ever, volunteering defines a person’s attitude and character, and many Lakeside students have discovered, through community involvement, that true happiness is found by helping others.