Instead of spending most of her time at the beach or the Avenues, freshman Claire Chen finds herself at the West Melbourne Public Library racking up her volunteer hours, striving to earn the 100-volunteer-hours-in-a-year award in April.

“I have to make my parents proud,” she said. “And I love volunteering … especially since I’ve been volunteering at the [West Melbourne Public Library] since seventh grade. So pretty much I want the work because I like the work.”

Chen said earning 100 hours in a year is an attainable goal.

“If you manage your weekends so you have open times to volunteer, then you can just go there,” she said. “I’m allowed to go and stay for as long as I want.”

Guidance Counselor Kim Strauch recommends taking on the challenge for a boost on students’ resumés.

“The more hours that [seniors] have within a specialized area, [the more it will] help show universities or future employers that [the student has] sustained interest in something,” she said.

Chen said she will take pride in the accomplishment.

“[Completing 100 hours in a year] might just make you feel more accomplished when you finish it,” she said. “And you can say, ‘hey, I already got 100 hours done and you haven’t even gotten 25 yet.'”

To encourage earning 100 volunteer hours in a year, the school recognizes those volunteers at the spring awards ceremony.

“The purpose is to recognize students who go above and beyond in their volunteering outside of school and in their community,” Strauch said.

The deadline for the 100 hours is March 21, approximately two months before the regular 25 hours are due.

“We have to get the award ready for the awards ceremony at the beginning of April,” Strauch said. “We have to make sure that all of our preparations are completed for those ceremonies.”

By Elena Konicki