Vilseck High School main entrance (provided by Anthony Devine | Vilseck High School)
Vilseck High School is proud to have so many student leaders who volunteer in support of our local military community. We celebrate the civic-minded spirit of our students, who understand the value of building strong communities through service.
Their efforts reflect a commitment to leadership, empathy, and DoDEA’s core values of civic engagement. Here are just a few examples of how VHS students make a difference.
For many families in our community, youth sports begin with CYS. Lyla, a junior, coaches Cross Country for athletes ages 9–13 and sees firsthand the impact of sports on young people. “Sports help young people learn discipline and perseverance,” Lyla explains. “Cross Country is tough—the mental part of it is tough. Many of the CYS athletes I worked with struggled and wanted to give up, but me running with them and encouraging them and helping them set goals in the moment helped them persevere and feel accomplished.”
Caleb, a sophomore, shares a similar passion: “I love running, and it’s cool to see other kids interested in it. I was reluctant to volunteer at first—it’s a time obligation. But getting out there and seeing the results with the kids I coach made the time sacrifice worth it.”
Both Lyla and Caleb agree that volunteering through CYS builds connections and strengthens the community.
VHS students volunteer to coach young athletes through CYS sports programs. (pavel1964 - stock.adobe.com)
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The Red Cross club at VHS attracts students interested in humanitarian work and the medical field. Jina and Abby, both juniors, have helped with food drives and letter-writing campaigns for service members in Kuwait.
The VHS Red Cross club also supported efforts during the influx of Ukrainian refugees in our region last year. Jina reflects: “We are aware of what is going on in the world, we talk about it with each other, and we want to help. We can’t solve the big problems the world faces, but we can do things to support our local community.”
The Red Cross club at VHS attracts students interested in humanitarian work and the medical field. (American Red Cross-USAG Bavaria Grafenwoehr & Vilseck | Facebook)
Freshmen Khloe and Abina volunteer in the VHS library, creating displays and promoting reading. “The hardest part about volunteering is just getting started,” they share. “But if you choose an organization that works for you, volunteering is a great way to have fun, express creativity and have a positive impact.”
Library Management Team member Audrianna, a junior, adds: “I get a sense of fulfillment from helping people become more comfortable and confident library users. Teenagers have caring hearts, and whether or not it’s recognized by popular opinion, teens work hard to make things easier for the community.”
The Vilseck High School Library Management Team (provided by Anthony Devine | Vilseck High School)
Bavaria Community & Spouses’ Club (BCSC) thrift shops fund scholarships and community grants.
Mary, a sophomore, volunteers during busy PCS seasons when donations and needs surge. “By volunteering, I can make a difference for people,” Mary says. “Many teenagers want to support those around them—they care about the well-being of their community.”
Mary volunteers at the BCSC thrift shop. (BCSC Thrift Shop: Vilseck | Facebook)
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Noah, a sophomore, volunteers with Bavaria Performing Arts to help stage musicals and plays.
“I went from being an audience member to a volunteer and cast member,” Noah shares. “I love seeing the joy and community built around BPA performances.”
The cast and crew from the Bavarian Performing Arts production of Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” (provided by Katelyn S., Vilseck High School)
Ezekiel, a junior, supports VFW conservation efforts through monthly post cleanups.
“I volunteer with the VFW because I am closely connected with them and their conservation efforts, which are the reasons why their mission appeals to me,” he explains.
Ezekiel volunteering with the VFW & Boy Scouts (provided by Ezekiel H., Vilseck High School)
Beyond volunteering with the VFW, Ezekiel also volunteers with Scouting America: “I am greatly invested in their mission of teaching young Americans how to survive and thrive in the wild.”
Rachel, a junior, volunteers with Girl Scouts and has earned a prestigious Gold Award. She dedicated over 80 hours to a service project for a local animal shelter, combining fundraising with an educational campaign on pet ownership. “I enjoy challenging myself while making a positive impact,” Rachel says.
When asked about volunteerism among teenagers, Rachel adds, “Teens are some of the most empathetic and driven people, constantly growing and learning, and they deserve to be recognized for it. We should be encouraged and supported, because we are the future.”
Rachel receiving her Gold Award for her service through Girl Scouts. (provided by Rachel B., Vilseck High School)
Nearly one-quarter of VHS students participate in JROTC, which logged over 1,800 volunteer hours last year.
Jonathan, a senior, shares: “Every year our unit goes to Rokycany in Czechia and does a parade for Czech veterans, American veterans, and the VFW from Vilseck. It is a great way to show those before us that they are not forgotten and their sacrifices were not in vain.” Jonathan adds, “I volunteer to get into my community and feel like I am a part of something bigger than just myself.”
Vilseck High School JROTC participating in a ceremony in Rokycany (Jonathan Talbot center). (provided by Jonathan T., Vilseck High School)
These examples represent only some of the ways Vilseck High School students volunteer to benefit the community. Their efforts embody DoDEA’s values of civic engagement and demonstrate that leadership begins with service.
