Commerce alumni step up at school volunteer event

Date: 11/23/2010

Nov. 22, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD -- Over 100 people attended an event last week that might yield 100 volunteers to work with students at the High School of Commerce.

Springfield School Volunteers conducted a recruitment event at Aldofo's Ristorante on Worthington Street that attracted Commerce alumni interested in giving back to their former high school.

Dawn Rodgers, a graduation coach at Commerce, explained to Reminder Publications the high school will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding, so the goal was to reach 100 volunteers to work as business partners, mentors and tutors.

Rodgers said national research indicates that students do better in school and are more likely to graduate if one adult takes an interest in them. Students will often respond better to an adult outside of their own family, she added.

The administration at Commerce is seeking to improve its attendance and graduation rates, she added.

The commitment from volunteers is one hour a week, Rodgers said. Springfield School Volunteers match the abilities of the volunteers with the interests of the students.

Some of the attendees filled out applications to be volunteers on the spot last week while enjoying food and drink donated by Aldofo's owner, Victor Bruno.

Rodgers explained all volunteers must go through a Criminal Offender Record Information check.

She expected that more people would make a commitment to volunteer at an open house at Commerce from 4 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 25. The volunteers would start their assignments in January, she added.

She said the administration at Commerce is undertaking several other initiatives to mark the centennial, including decorating the school's hallways with exhibits on the history of the school.

For more information on volunteering opportunities, contact Springfield School Volunteers by calling 787-7015 or visiting www.springfield-schoolvolunteers.org.