Students have a multitude of chances to complete their 75 hours of community service throughout the academic year, thanks to the diverse array of service opportunities like Paws Together and Friends of Rogers. Organizations like these give students an opportunity to create a meaningful, lasting impact in the Rogers community.

English teacher Alicia Schwartz is the faculty sponsor for the school club Paws Together. “Our goal is to work with local animal shelters to provide them with resources and help when needed. So, we’re working closely with the Rogers Humane Society,” Schwartz said.

Paws Together works on Saturdays and also provides Club Friday sessions for anyone who would like to join.

Friends of Rogers demonstrates a similar spirit of compassion and commitment. When asked about the inspiration behind the establishment of this club, Damaris Sanchez (9) said, “It’s to help those who may be struggling mentally to have a safe space.”

The organization has a direct mission to offer support through projects like the Wall of Hope in the cafeteria, which provides reassuring comments through sticky notes. The Walk Out of Darkness was a volunteering event earlier this month on October 6th. Many volunteers came to The Walk Out of Darkness to walk for the prevention of suicide. Through it all, the main priority of this club is to create a safe and supportive space for mental health and to have a meaningful impact within the community.

“We’re trying to create monthly projects for these groups of people just to spread positivity throughout our community and throughout the world. Not only does it make you feel good, it makes somebody else feel good, and having that knowl- edge that you’ve done something to help someone else is very rewarding,” said Ashley Flesher (12).