Mat-Su Youth United hosting volunteer information meeting

Mat-Su students are graduating with diplomas, but high-achieving students are going one step further and earning their merit diplomas.

Students can receive a credit in high school for community service. It's not an easy thing to do, however.

"If a student logs 120 hours of community service, it's documented and approved, they can earn a half-credit in social studies," said Sammye Pokryfki of the United Way of Mat-Su. "That half-credit is required for the merit diploma."

Finding out how to do community service, and what options are available, can be a difficult thing for students. That's why the United Way and the Mat-Su School District have teamed up on Mat-Su Youth United.

As part of the program, there is a meeting being held on Nov. 11 -- an inservice day -- for students to learn more about how to volunteer.

"It's a service learning opportunity that's not intended for people who have been assigned community service, but rather for those who want to learn how to become good community servants," Pokryfki said.

Last year, 40 students attended the conference, Pokryfki said, and this year she's hoping for even more attendance. Along with Lisa Vrvilo, Pokryfki will be presenting information on places students can volunteer, how they approach organizations and related topics.

"Schools lacked methods of getting kids partnered with organizations, so hopefully we're helping with that," Pokryfki said.

Students must preregister for the half-day conference. The meeting is from 8 a.m. to noon in the administration building.

There is no cost to attend. For more information, interested students can call Vrvilo at 746-9282.