Scottsdale students to distribute posters at Memorial Day Diamondbacks game that ask: How do you serve?

Students from all five high schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District will distribute 35,000 mini-posters at Monday’s Diamondbacks game as part of a very special campaign to promote community service.

The mini-posters ask the question: How do you serve? This community service awareness campaign is just another milestone in an exceptional student program in the Scottsdale Unified School District known as Service Learning. The How do you serve? message in the poster lays on top of an image of our American flag. Interspersed throughout the graphic are examples of people who serve, people like teachers, elected officials, nurses, social workers, fire fighters, soldiers, and, of course, athletes.

The How do you serve? campaign enjoys the support of the Scottsdale Unified School District, the city of Scottsdale, the office of the Mayor, the Police Department, corporate sponsors, and, the Diamondbacks. Joining Superintendent Barbara F. Erwin in the Diamondbacks Community Center before the game will be Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross, Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell, Congressman J.D. Hayworth, and representatives from Arizona Public Service, Health World, Rural Metro, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arizona.

The poster is the most recognizable aspect of a campaign designed and promoted by Service Learning students after a 2001 visit to the U.S. Capitol. During that visit, students had the opportunity to discuss their Service Learning projects and accomplishments with Senator John McCain and Congressman J.D. Hayworth.

“Mr. Hayworth spoke frankly with students and instilled in them the importance of service,” said John Baird, a teacher and the director of Service Learning. “Mr. Hayworth also discussed service before self and challenged our students to create a campaign that focuses on service of the past, the present, and the future for all communities.”

When the campaign was unveiled at a Veteran’s Day event, representatives from the Diamondbacks suggested carrying the message at its Memorial Day game.

SUSD’s Service Learning program combines service to the community with classroom studies in a way that improves student learning while strengthening the community. High school and middle school students work in collaboration with community members, classmates, other schools, and teachers to meet real community needs, while learning more about their academics as well as civic responsibility and effective citizenship.

“Our students are doing an incredible job of service in the community,” said Dr. Erwin. So far this year, students logged more that 55,000 hours of service, compared to more than 40,000 last year, and 20,000 the school year before.

“Even with the need to severely adjust the school district’s operating budget, the commitment to Service Learning deepens. Why? Statistics show that students who are involved in service learning programs perform better in the classroom and are more socially responsible,” Dr. Erwin said. “We believe that Service Learning is a tangible way to develop and promote student success.”

More information about this distinctive educational program may be found on the District’s Web site under Student Services at: www.susd.org
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