Community service requirement draws different opinions

By Emely Anaya Ortiz

Opinions Editor 

Starting the 2024-25 school year, Crete-Monee High School's new community service requirement has sparked very different opinions among the students. While some argue that community service should not be a graduation requirement, others believe it benefits themselves and others outside of school.

Members of the Crete Lions engage in community service. Photo by Aiden Roop.

"I feel like community service just helps take the weight off some people's backs by helping them out," sophomore Christina Hicks said.

Some students believe that community service is a generous step in making the lives of others easier, providing assistance and comfort when needed the most. Community service shows that tiny acts of kindness can significantly impact the world.

"I don't think it's necessary because although community service is good for the environment, for it to be a graduation requirement shouldn't be necessary because graduation just involves a student's education, grades, and classes they took," Junior Laila Anderson said.

Sure, students argue that community service is unnecessary and should not be a graduation requirement. Some are convinced that although community service is good for the environment, the high school should strictly concentrate on the student's academic achievements rather than having to complete community service. 

"I think the challenges I faced had to have been the snow. It was difficult to go outside and do my work when the snow was in the way, or the temperature outside was really cold because then I wasn't able to get anything done," sophomore Justin Howard said.

High school students face challenges completing community service with severe weather conditions. Achieving community service with snowdrifts and low temperatures can be extremely dangerous and a struggle for students. 

"No, and I had also heard that the previous students who were here before didn't have to do community service in order to graduate, so it's not really fair to us since we have to," freshman Jacob Lopez said.

Some students believe the high school's new policy change is unjust, considering that the school's previous students did not need to complete community service hours to graduate. This leaves many students wondering what the reasoning was for this unexpected and sudden change.

"Community service teaches me social goals and teaches me not to do something just for money or for profit," sophomore Bryce Milburn said.

Certain students feel community service means a lot more than just completing a few hours. Some feel this experience can change their mindset and give them a different perspective, such as making them more confident and social.