This core of values grows from their family values and drives their behavior as parents, workers and citizens of our diverse community. Over the last few years, the Anoka High School Social Studies Department has worked with the Youth Service Learning Program to involve more kids in character development. We are careful not to call this 'voluntary service' because both the parents and community have expressed a strong concern that service is a responsibility for all young citizens. It is not optional. However, the students can work out with their parents and teachers how they elect to do their service.
Many students earn credit while serving their religious community.
Others work with the City of Anoka, planning for the future on the Anoka 2010 Taskforce. Fifteen students serve ex-officio on the City Council and City advisory Boards. This set of opportunities has become the Anoka Students in Government Program. It has grown in the last few years due to the openness of the Anoka City Council and their commitment to cultivating youthful citizenship. They serve area businesses, work on rivers, wetlands and lakes, initiate church projects, share in the Mercy Hospital Prayer and Healing Team, work on recycling with city and county, work with the police, and work on state and national projects as well.