Students in Arlington High School make a significant impact on the local Stillaguamish community by sacrificing time out of their day to volunteer. 

National Honors Society requires students to volunteer at least 60 hours by the end of the school year, teaching important life skills like time management. Whether it was the hectic chaos of running the game concessions, or making sure animals have a clean suite to stay in, the academic leaders are up for the challenge.

“The cool thing about it is that when the high schoolers volunteer, a lot of people will reach out to me, whether it’s like a letter or email, and they’re like, ‘Hey, your students were amazing,’” Maggie Novy, NHS adviser, said. “All the NHS students are so great. And I try to share that stuff when I get it, because I think it’s a big thing.”

One volunteer opportunity is caring for the animals at NOAH shelter. The NHS students’ volunteer work is appreciated by both the humans, and the animals in need. 

“All the dogs are a lot happier, and they’re in clean places, and they’re ready for people to come and see them and adopt them,” Junior Kloe Paulson said. 

 Volunteering at other organizations, like local food banks has brought a new perspective to volunteers like junior, Noah Climacosa. Opportunities including the food bank, directly impact the daily lives of individuals going through hardship. 

“Working at the food bank, I saw how hard it is for some people. So I feel grateful and see how strong and motivated I should stay.” said Climacosa. “Even if I’m not having a good day, I should just be thankful for everything I have as of right now.”

NHS volunteers are gaining recognition because some improved the daily lives of patients in hospice care. Particularly around the holiday season.

“There’s a group of NHS students who went to the hospital and just kind of helped decorate for Christmas,” Novy said. “And then I got a really nice letter back saying how much the patients and the staff and everyone appreciates walking in, and having Christmas trees up and Christmas decorations.”

Seeing this impact, students feel inspired to put more effort into their work, and stay on top of it. This motivates them to achieve their 60 hours sacrificed for NHS. 

“In life, you just have to do what you have to do, take action and, you know, be resilient,” Climacosa said.