Students ask board to adopt varsity letter for community service; presenters cite local programs as models
Summary
A group of high‑school students asked the board to create a varsity letter recognition for sustained community service, describing criteria used by nearby districts and the Tonka Serves model they recommend.
Four students told the Osseo Area Schools Board on Sept. 23 that they would like the district to adopt a varsity letter recognizing sustained community service. The students — Caroline Schwartz, Lauren, Zoe, Maddie and Alex — described existing local programs and recommended criteria based on the Tonka Serves varsity letter program.
The nut graf: students requested a district recognition that would reward sustained volunteer commitment, citing neighboring districts (Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka) that have similar programs and explaining specific eligibility criteria they would like to see adopted.
Students told trustees that Park Center already offers a volunteer class for course credit and that some schools have ways to record volunteer hours on transcripts; they suggested adopting Tonka Serves criteria: 150 hours of unpaid volunteer service in a 12‑month period beginning the summer before ninth grade, at least 75 hours with one agency or cause, verified hours, two recommendation letters, a reflection project, academic eligibility (2.0 GPA), and chemical‑free participation during the year.
Board members acknowledged the presentation; no immediate action was taken, but the students provided handouts and staff received the materials.
Ending: students asked the district to consider the proposal and consult existing local models; staff said materials would be shared with appropriate administrators.
