Should schools require kids to volunteer?

Lots of teens in the U.S. help out in their communities. Some hold car washes or bake sales to raise money for worthy causes. Others volunteer in soup kitchens or hospitals.

Most of these efforts come from the heart. But many schools now require kids to perform community service. In Maryland it's even the law--a student must log 75 hours of community service in order to graduate from high school.

What do you think? Should schools require kids to volunteer?

Yes Learning to help others is an important life lesson.

"Volunteering gives you a chance to learn about people who are not as fortunate as you," says Amish Patel, a ninth-grader at Savannah Arts Academy in Savannah, Georgia. "And it helps you get a basic, overall aspect of what life really is, not just through TV or video games."

Amish's school requires students to perform 20 hours of community service every year. This year Amish plans to volunteer at the Hope House, a shelter for runaway children, and raise money for the American Heart Association.

"When you actually go and help, it's so much fun," he says.

No School is tough enough without even more work.

"I have a lot of homework every night, plus I have a lot of activities," says Sarah Dawson, an eighth-grader at Bassett Middle School in Bassett, Virginia. "And then I have to get up early to go to school. There isn't enough time."

Sarah, who has volunteered at a local animal shelter, says that community service is a good idea. But, she adds, requiring it is wrong.

"It should be your choice if you want to do it," Sarah told JS.

VOTE NOW! [check] Should schools require kids to volunteer? Vote online at www.scholastic.com/juniorscholastic