Service program bridges generational divide; Kansas: Spring Hill Unified School District 230.

A program that helps students develop leadership skills resulted in Spring Hill Unified School District 230 in Spring Hill, Kan., being named the state's winner in the 2006 National Civic Star Award competition.

When the program began several years ago, the intent was to provide training for potential student mentors for pupils with special needs. But as the community experienced a rapid influx of young families, creating somewhat of a generational divide with older residents, the program broadened its mission.

The desire was to give students an opportunity to excel in endeavors that would benefit the community and also help create positive impressions about the area's youth. After discussions with leaders at several local schools and service organizations, the program's leaders determined that the best way for students to receive guidance on serving the community was during the school day.

The local school board approved the plan to integrate the program into the curriculum, and funding to mm the program into a high school course was sought from the Kansas Office for Community Service. A grant to support the initiative was obtained from Learn & Serve America.

At the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year representatives from local service organizations presented their missions and needs to the students. Students then selected organizations they wanted to serve and were responsible for preparing presentations to the student body to raise awareness of the organizations and their needs and to recruit volunteers.

Students worked with the organizations in developing useful projects. Student teams were in charge of managing their volunteers and ensuring that the projects were completed and the objectives met. Once a project was finished, volunteers evaluated their student leaders and their communication skills. Program facilitators also developed assessments to help the students learn.

Students organized formal presentations highlighting the success of their projects, which they presented to the student body, parents, faculty and the school board. They also wrote newspaper and parent newsletter articles.

Students who have participated in the program have served on the governing boards of the local YWCA, Johnson County Youth Action Board, Spring Hill Civic Center Advisory Board and the Peace Jam Advisory Council. The participation helped the agencies gain insight about young people's views on community matters, and students benefited from the leadership skills they gained.

In one year, students contributed nearly 4,000 hours of service, with many of the project hours being logged in the evenings and on weekends.

For more information, contact Superintendent Barton L. Goering at Spring Hill Unified School District 230, 217th and Bronco Blvd., Spring Hill, Kan. 66083, or call [phone]. Goering's e-mail address is [e-mail].