Lakeview Jr. High Students Make a Difference

Seven years ago,  sixth-grade teacher Jennifer Maass had an idea to start the school’s first service-based student organization.

A ready band of sixth- to eight-grade students signed up, and the Make a Difference Club was born.

“The nice thing about our club is that membership is flexible,” Maass said.

Maass, a social studies teacher, explained that membership in the club runs from September through May, and students are allowed to join in around other sports and extra-curricular commitments.

Meeting times vary too, which allows a variety of students to participate. After-school meetings occur twice a month, and morning meetings occur several times each week.

Maass said she admires the students' altruism.

“I’m impressed by their research to find out what the needs are in the community, as well as the time they commit,” Maass said. She added that most project ideas stem from the students themselves.

Past and ongoing projects include a school-wide book exchange, assisting the custodial staff with recycling efforts and clothing, fundraising and toy drives.

Asia and Elena, both sixth-graders, said they especially enjoy working with smaller children. Just last weekend, the club helped out at the Halloween party at .

“My dad told me he wants my little sister to join [MAD Club] when she gets to Lakeview,” Asia said. She acknowledged that it felt good to hear her dad point to her as a good example.

Sixth-graders Ashley and Nicole said that working with the small children at Prairieview School’s before- and after-school care program is a highlight for them.

Olivia, a seventh-grader, enjoyed April’s Earth Day activity — creating birdhouses for the school yard. The club sponsors Earth Week at the school, raising awareness through projects, contests and trivia.

As the holiday season approaches, eighth-grader Jacki looks forward to the club’s annual project of sending cards to overseas service men and women.

All of the 16 students said the feeling of making a difference, as they fittingly described it, is the primary reason for their involvement in the club. 

“It’s a warm, fuzzy feeling,” laughed Kris, a seventh-grader. He then earnestly described how much he liked that the group adopted a family last year during the holidays to provide them with clothing and some gifts. 

Larissa, Sophia and Maggie all agreed that they enjoyed helping other people and that their efforts translated into feeling needed and appreciated. 

“I just feel happy and proud inside,” Karina said. 

Jennifer, also in sixth-grade, echoed the sentiments of her peers. 

“It feels good to be in this club,” Jennifer said. She added, “It’s inspiring to take action and do something for others and not myself.”