Community Involvement and Social Responsibility at Pocahontas County High School

 

Examples of Community Involvement and Social Responsibility at Pocahontas County High School

The sources, primarily comprised of excerpts from Pocahontas County High School (PCHS) yearbooks, offer several examples of the school's efforts to foster community involvement and social responsibility among students. These efforts extend beyond the classroom and illustrate the school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are engaged citizens.

• Future Nurses of America Club: This club, as described in the 1979 yearbook, actively sought to benefit the community through various projects. Their collaboration with the Pocahontas Memorial Hospital Auxiliary demonstrates a tangible connection between the school and a vital community institution. By assisting with the Auxiliary Bazaar and National Hospital Week, the Future Nurses of America members gained practical experience while contributing to the well-being of their community.

• Vocational Programs: PCHS's vocational programs, particularly the Carpentry and Electricity classes, demonstrated a strong emphasis on community engagement. The Electricity classes, for instance, applied their skills to wire houses and barns throughout the county, providing a valuable service while gaining practical experience. The Carpentry class completed various assignments within Pocahontas County, further illustrating the school's commitment to connecting student learning with real-world applications that benefit the community.

• Conservation Club: The Conservation Club at PCHS played a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness and responsibility among students. The 1978 yearbook highlights the club's efforts to establish a soil conservation plan for the school property. By applying fertilizers, planting trees, and studying conservation techniques, students developed a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and actively contributed to preserving their local environment.

• Fundraising for Social Causes: The sources reveal that various student organizations at PCHS engaged in fundraising activities to support important social causes. For example, in 1980, the men teachers and senior boys organized a basketball game to raise funds for the English Exchange Program. This event demonstrates a collaborative effort between students and faculty to support a program that fostered cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship.

• Student Council Initiatives: The Student Council, as a representative body of the student population, played a role in promoting community involvement. The 1978 yearbook mentions the Student Council's efforts to make school life more enjoyable. While the specific initiatives are not detailed, their commitment to improving the school environment can be interpreted as a form of social responsibility.

• Project Christmas: The sources highlight the participation of various student groups, including the Leo Club, in Project Christmas. This annual initiative aimed to provide gifts to underprivileged families in the community during the holiday season. The involvement of students in such charitable endeavors fostered a sense of empathy and encouraged them to contribute to the well-being of less fortunate members of their community.

• S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Driving): The establishment of a S.A.D.D. chapter at PCHS in the early 1990s reflects the school's commitment to addressing important social issues. This student-led organization aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and promote responsible decision-making among their peers, contributing to the safety and well-being of the community.

It's important to note that the yearbook excerpts, while providing valuable snapshots of student life and school activities, may not capture the full scope of PCHS's community involvement and social responsibility initiatives during this period. However, the examples provided offer valuable insights into the school's efforts to cultivate a sense of civic engagement and social consciousness among its students.