This service learning activity provided students in the Ripley Elementary School (RES) with a “Meaning Service Learning Activity.” Students participating in the project realized the visible outcome of the activity, (helping to pay for a college degree for a student involved in service activities during his or her school career).

Elementary students will also celebrate this year’s scholarship winner, 2009 graduate Megan Spiller. Megan has performed many service learning activities throughout her lifetime, but at the top of the list was “Volley For the Cure.” Megan was active on the volleyball team, which was one of the sports that Pam Crawford, the late elementary secretary held close to her heart. Pam coached the Ripley High School Girls Volleyball team for many seasons.

Bailey was rewarded a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift card for her efforts with the “Pennies For Pam” campaign. Bailey, along with the other students at the Ripley Elementary collected over $750.00 in pennies for this year’s scholarship recipient. The teachers at the RES, linked the activity to the math curriculum as well as to character education. The First State Bank and the Southern State Community College partnered with this project proving that service learning involves a variety of partners, including youth, educators, families, community members and businesses. Youth provided a strong voice in implementing “Pennies For Pam.”

Hannah Spiller, a junior at the Ripley High School, provided the leadership for the project at the RES. Hannah enhanced the project by providing the decision-making choice which brought the project to the forefront. This service learning activity proves also the duration and intensity of any service related project can achieve learning outcomes not only now but in future years. Bailey is the daughter of proud parents Marty and Dana Adams.