Lessons of volunteerism

Students learn many important lessons while in school —the three R’s, for starters, and these days so much more. There are courses on technology, art, science, philosophy, environmental studies — we’re pleased to say that the list is too long to delve into with just a few paragraphs to spare.What we hope, however, is that students also learn lessons beyond the scope of what can be taught on a chalkboard or from a textbook. Such life lessons are often taught by very special educators — those who understand the value of passing on that which helps us grow as individuals contributing to the greater good and a more productive and compassionate society.John Roccanova is one such teacher. For years he has been at the North East (Webutuck) Central School District working quietly behind the scenes. He’s organized classes, field trips and various projects; he also happens to head up the school district’s student volunteer program. This year that program has 90 participants in grades seven through 12 (for more on the program, turn to Page A3).As Webutuck High School Principal Ken Sauer said, one reason the program is so successful is because of Mr. Roccanova. “The fact is John’s a guy who really believes in volunteering and instilling in kids the necessity for being a community servant,” Sauer said.He’s absolutely right.Roccanova understands the importance of volunteering, and of giving of one’s time and energy to those in need. Whether that’s to an individual or an organization, it doesn’t matter, as long as the cause is worthy. He’s passing that very important lesson along to some very impressionable young students. It’s as wonderful as it is important that he’s doing so. This is the time when a child begins to set his or her moral compass — as teenagers they are learning how to treat others in a world too often filled with rage and disdain. Our youth need to see there are positive aspects to life, no matter how crazy and chaotic the world may be. They need to be a part of something they can be proud of and connect with others through a shared bond of humanity. By caring for others and giving of themselves, volunteers tap into universal positive energy — and hopefully they’ll see others pass it on as well.If lucky, the most industrious youth may discover a real passion through their volunteer work, a passion that could one day morph into a vocation. What could be better?Kudos to Webutuck for keeping its volunteer program going strong for 15 years. And hats off to Mr. Roccanova, for steering that ship all the while, recruiting whomever he could to take along for the journey.These are the types of programs that make the Webutuck community one to envy. For a school district to endorse a philosophy that being humane and compassionate is as important as acing a test is really something special. It’s not to say that traditional studies don’t have their place, because they do. We simply hope lessons as important as volunteerism will be remembered long after students have forgotten random factoids once memorized for those darn pop quizzes.