Students in the metal working class welded interpretive signs, biology students planned an arboretum, and woodworking students built an interpretive center. Students started a local Boys and Girls Club and serve at a homeless shelter in a nearby city. In 1993, Granite Falls High School adopted a participatory leadership model for the school with a Learning Improvement Team, involving administration, faculty, students, parents and other community members. The Team decided community service was the best way to link the school and the community and a required service-learning program was designed and gradually phased in for all classes. Student leaders then developed action plans, beginning a continuing pattern of student-led service.
Service also provides students with opportunities to explore and experience career options.
Students considering a teaching career are volunteer tutors with the Washington Reading Corps at a local elementary school and those interested in construction built the nature trail. Student interest in health care led to volunteering at a hospital, and service at a local salmon fish ladder attracted potential scientists. Student are making a difference in their community and they know it. The Breathe Easy Corps of Owensboro, Ky, was honored as a Daily Point of Light on March 27, 2001. One part of the solution was more trees and creation of the Breathe Easy Corps.