Service in Good Works

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, 

and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

(Galatians 6:10)

I am a mom, so I have earned the right to brag on the good things that our son does. For the past couple of weeks, he has been working on applications for various organizations and summer programs. He solicited his own adults to write letters of recommendation. It did my heart good to hear other adults and parents confirm about our child what we already know to be true. He completed the applications and wrote all of his essays with little input from us. One of the things that I was most proud of was that he could pick and choose which of his community service activities to include with his application packages.

What exactly is he applying to be selected?  I am glad you asked.

• He was nominated by his school for membership into the James H. Carter Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; to encourage responsible citizenship; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. 

Source: https://www.njhs.us/about-us.aspx

• He was nominated by his mommy (because he must engage in something besides play video games during the summer months) to apply for the Leaders of Tomorrow Program. LOT is a national network of high school students and MBA professionals / mentors who focus on student empowerment. The mission is to develop positive and socially aware high school students for transformative leadership in college, careers, and community service. Throughout the summer and fall term, leaders participate in a variety of activities, workshops, and events that emphasize growth in the leadership areas of academics, professional development, community service,  securing internships & scholarships, and goal setting & attainment.

• He was informed of the local opportunity to apply to participate in the National Flight Academy Program. The information brochure stated: Across the country, communities are rallying support to focus on student success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. The NFA Centers of Inspiration provide a holistic approach to inspiring student interest and engaging them in order to keep them challenged and excited about pursing STEM curriculum.  The A.I.R. program takes place onboard Ambition, located on the grounds of the National Naval Aviation museum in Pensacola, Florida. For multiple days, 8th – 11th graders compete against each other in engaging and intense real-life scenarios that combine the thrill of flight with critical thinking techniques. To apply online:   http://hub.obap.org/home/nfa

While we are still waiting to hear back on whether or not he was accepted into the latter two programs, we are proud to attend his induction ceremony for NJHS next week. With his acceptance letter was a form to return, indicating how he will serve the school next year among other things. His selection: leading the community service outreach efforts. How are you encouraging your children on the importance of community service in their purposed work? Feel free to comment, or send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post, and want to  catch up on some of my previous discussion, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com.