Freshman class officers organize service fair

Students looking for one-time or ongoing volunteer opportunities had a chance to get information and talk to representatives from 30 local organizations during a first ever service fair on April 26, which was organized by the freshman class office.

“We hope students gained insight on how to help out around the community in different ways,” freshman class treasurer Emily Choi said. “We want them to be informed about all the organizations so they will hopefully volunteer at these places over the summer.”

Representatives from organizations such as Los Gatos Recreation, YMCA and Our City Forest, set up tables with informational flyers. During tutorial, they answered the students’ questions and gave out small gifts such as pencils, candy and stickers.

The idea was suggested by the school’s service learning coordinator, Tim Gallagher. He was inspired by Pioneer High and Los Gatos High, which both hold service fairs.

“We thought with all our community service emphasis that it would be successful at SHS,” Gallagher said. He contacted more than 70 organizations and assisted the class office in the process of planning the event, a process that started in January.

“There was really a minimum amount of problems because

of Mr. Gallagher's help,” freshman class secretary Arnav Mangal said.

After Gallagher suggested the idea to AP U.S History teacher Matthew Torrens in August, the freshman class office volunteered to lead the planning. The freshmen marketed the event and communicated with students, teachers and parents.

Although some organizations canceled last minute, the freshman class office believes that the fair was a success.  It gave students information and encouraged them to volunteer.

Gallagher said that he hopes it will become an annual activity.

“The best part was seeing students signing up for volunteering and being interested in helping out the community,” freshman class office president Lauren Tan said.