While often times community service is considered a timely obligation, there are many exciting opportunities in Pelham about which many students are unaware. The recent transition to Volunteer Access, a website that conveniently tracks and offers service availabilities, has made fulfilling your hours required for graduation more efficient than ever. The website will continue to conveniently provide service locations and times throughout the entire school year. A range of academic to recreational activities is provided to each student, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.

If you are involved in the honor societies at PMHS, finding hours subject specific may seem like an uphill battle. However, there is no need to fear because the Peer Tutoring Club, led by Jillian Harrison, offers hours everyday after school for helping middle schoolers with their homework. The club is not only easy to get involved with, but also offers a service opportunity that is fun, and facilitates camaraderie among tutors and students.

Junior Rachel Brewer says,  “Peer Tutoring was a really good experience for me because I was able to help this one girl that was a little behind on school work because she had just moved here. By the end of our sessions, not only was I excited to see her grades improve, but happy I was able to make a connection with her that I still value to this day.”

While some extracurriculars require academic service, there are many opportunities outside of the school that are exciting and unconventional. Are you a lover of movies and theatre? If the answer is yes, then maybe you should consider getting involved with the Pelham Picture House, which offers community service hours throughout the entire year. Other opportunities include helping out Pelham organizations like County Harvest, and Habitat for Humanity which seek students to help the less fortunate before the holiday season.

If you are someone who struggles to find service opportunities, the transition to online tracking is a tool that will be beneficial for you. Since Volunteer Access has transformed the way PMHS does community service, finally achieving the hours you need can be done in the click of a button.