Community Service Letters recognize student volunteers

Edina High School staff, community partners and families honored honored 174 EHS students for their dedication to serving the community at the Community Service Letter ceremony on June 3.

The Community Service Letter is earned by students in grades 9-12 who volunteer a minimum of 120 hours during the year. They are required to select an area of focus, track their time, submit two letters of recommendation and a photo from their experience. The final step is to meet with a group of peers for a creative reflection session to share details of their service journey.

At this year’s ceremony, student speakers Madeline Kelly, grade 12, and Nicholas Yelkin, grade 11, shared personal stories about the places they have volunteered, people they met along the way, and the impact these opportunities has made on their lives. Madeline has supported the Como Zoo for the past several years as a nature walk volunteer. Nicholas has traveled to Cuba, Jamaica and Africa helping individuals and communities in a variety of ways.

Five EHS seniors received a Community Service Letter for the fourth consecutive year: Claire DeVoe, Bjorn Holtey, Brooke Olsen, Kathryn Wilkening and Andrea Zantek.