Winona Area Public Schools
Dwayne Voegeli likes all of the classes that he teaches. But if you really forced him to name one — and only one — the answer is clear.
The Community Service Learning class.
“The best in all of us comes out when we connect with and help others,” Voegeli said. “People need other people. The WSHS students say this over and over again. Their time at their sites is a wonderful way to start the day.”
The Community Service Learning class, or CSL for short, was started more than 30 years ago by social studies teacher John Ruggeberg. In the decades since, WSHS students have volunteered at local schools, non-profit organizations, nursing homes and more. They have also chosen to complete creative class projects affecting local, national and sometimes global community needs.
In the fall semester, students completed 22 different service projects in the Winona community. Hillary Yang, Jazlyn Jaen and Allison Quimby picked for their project The Advocacy Center in Winona, a safe space for female victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
The students raised $400 and filled baskets with various hygiene products to help the women who need The Advocacy Center. The students also raised awareness among their peers and on social media.
“People are willing to listen and help if you advocate about a topic you are passionate about,” Yang said. “It is essential to spread awareness to create change. Even the smallest acts of kindness do a lot.”
Brianna Styba and Sophia Ehlo delivered thank you treats to first responders and other emergency workers in Winona, like Winona Health, Winona Area Ambulance, Winona Fire Department and Winona Police Department.
Lacey Brandes and Averie Beckman raised money to purchase supplies and toys for the animals at the Winona Area Humane Society.
“It was really nice seeing the animals that we helped get all the care they needed until they found new families,” Brandes said.
For the volunteer portion of the class, many students were placed in preschool or younger elementary classrooms, such as Brady Wardwell in Carley Hofer’s second-grade classroom at Washington-Kosciusko Elementary.
“He has been an invaluable asset, and he will certainly be missed,” Hofer said. “I'm grateful for the positive relationships he's built with the second graders.”
Voegeli said there were 41 students in the CSL class in the fall semester. This semester, Sarah Dixen is coordinating volunteer assignments for 39 students.
“One of the most powerful parts of the class is to see our students shine,” Voegeli said. “The best in them comes out when they are volunteering at the different sites.”
Yang agrees.
“Our service learning class taught us about how great it feels to give back to the community,” Yang said. “We learned to always lead with a good heart and have good intentions. This brought us perspectives we never thought we would have.
“This class has made us into better people.”