Lettering is a common way that high schools reward and recognize students for their work in sports and extracurriculars. At Edina High School, students can letter in community service if they log at least 120 volunteer hours with non-profit organizations. Some EHS students have taken it one step further by earning community service letters multiple years.
Junior McKenna Cossack has worked towards earning her second letter this year. Cossack has spent the past couple of years fostering animals, attending an EHS trip to Zimbabwe, and working with children at Concord Elementary School and a trailer park. “I would say I have a passion for volunteering and giving back to the community,” she said.
Senior Katie Huang has over 360 volunteer hours as a volunteer at Fairview Southdale Hospital and a coach for junior high cheer, earning her three letters in community service. “It’s become such a routine thing… it’s part of my weekly schedule,” Huang said. “I really enjoy it because I like to be in a hospital environment and helping out other staff and patients while doing runs.”
For both students, their drive to keep up with their substantial volunteer hours comes from working towards a cause which they both enjoy deeply. “There are so many ways you can give back to the community, so being able to find one that you are passionate about makes it easier to stay motivated and engaged,” Cossack said.
Youth Development and Volunteer Program Specialist Hannah Christianson echoed this sentiment, noticing the same traits within all volunteers. “I think they’re just really passionate, caring people, and I think that itself can be really motivating to keep going,” she said.
Christianson also speaks to the positive impact that community service can have on high schoolers’ lives. “In terms of your mental health, I think it really helps students look at the world that’s bigger than themselves. And it’s so meaningful to connect with people and help others,” she said.
“After I volunteer, I definitely feel better about myself. Continuing to feel better about myself was good motivation,” Cossack said.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on May 8, 2025
