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See photos from the conference! If you attended Maryland's 11th Annual Service-Learning Conference on March 6th, you know that students, teachers, and community organizations exemplified this year's theme throughout the day. Service projects, workshops demonstrating quality activities and youth leadership ideas, and exhibits all illustrated the importance of service-learning in developing civic-minded individuals. The day began with a number of motivating speeches from service-learning advocates from across the state:

• Janet Zhou, a senior from Centennial High School in Howard County, served as mistress of ceremonies for the day. She welcomed everyone to the event and, with her high energy, prepared everyone for the exciting day ahead.
• Dr. Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools, kicked off the morning and congratulated students and educators for ensuring that Maryland remains a leader in the service-learning movement.
• Wesley Stewart, a senior from Boonsboro High School, shared his personal experiences and challenged students to become even more engaged in their communities. (Wesley's speech follows)
• Finally, Maryland's Lieutenant Governor, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, spoke of the importance of civic engagement and helped to honor this year's Service Stars - high school students who exceeded the graduation requirement.

Wesley Stewart's Speech

Greetings to fellow students, educators, and community leaders. My name is Wesley Stewart and I'm a senior at Boonsboro High in Washington County. In the year 2000, Boonsboro High saw the birth of the first Student Service-Learning Club in our county. It was founded for the purpose of getting students to participate in service-learning in our community. By implementing student service-learning in our high schools, students are given the opportunity to learn as they serve. I personally got involved in the service club to fulfill graduation requirements and for an additive to look good on a college application. I never imagined the rewards I would receive within myself. After the very first project I completed I was changed. I served a local cold weather shelter. From merely seeing the faces of those less fortunate and realizing that they could be a friend, family member, myself - or even one of you - I was humbled! I found that student service is not a chore, it's rather a labor of love that comes from the heart. This is the ideal that I would like you to leave with today.

Looking at Student Service-Learning as "an act that has to be done" causes little if any effect on the problems in the community. Only when you do it from your heart and expect nothing, yet give all, can you make a change. By this, you set the standard for change. I challenge each and every one of you here to know that you are making a difference through student service-learning. There are many ways to do this. Volunteer every chance you get. Whether it's aiding a neighbor, serving at a cold weather shelter, or helping build a house you can do your part. Even our president has emphasized the importance of every citizen volunteering. One very important lesson I've learned through this experience is that helping others goes a long way to bringing peace of mind and comfort to those who give. I challenge you to continue your service beyond your high school years. Thank you.

If you have never attended this exciting event where we celebrate the success and diversity of quality service-learning as an important part of public education in Maryland, you have an enjoyable day ahead of you. Conference 2002 is made possible through a ongoing partnership between the Maryland Student Service Alliance and the Maryland State Department of Education, with the American Red Cross, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism, and the YMCA of Central Maryland. While the conference showcases a diverse array of service-learning opportunities, this year's conference has an environmental focus, personified through the theme "Maryland: The Big Green Service Machine."

Agenda for the day

7:30 - 9:30 Arrival and Registration 
8:00 - 3:30 Exhibits Open (Service Fair, Resource Fair, and Student Photo Exhibit) 
9:30 - 10:15 Opening Plenary and Service Stars Awards 
10:30 - 12:00 Concurrent Sessions I (includes Service Projects, Student Forums, and Workshops) 
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch 
1:00 - 2:15 Concurrent Sessions II (includes Service Projects, Student Forums, and Workshops) 
2:15 - 3:30 Celebration of This Year's Statewide Project - The Solid Waste Reduction Initiative 
3:30 Conference Ends 

The day concludes with a celebration of this year's statewide service-learning project, Solid Waste Reduction: Schools in Action, spearheaded by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. This is the culmination of months of student efforts toward reducing the amount of trash produced in their school, home, and community. Students all across Maryland can showcase and celebrate the various activities in which they participated to directly impact their environment and take positive steps toward a healthier environment.

How can you get involved? As a participant you will learn how you can support quality service-learning experiences for Maryland's students. Download, complete, and submit a Registration Form (Word file) to MSSA by January 30th. As a workshop presenter you can share your knowledge and expertise with others. You are welcome to download, complete, and submit a Workshop RFP (Word file) to MSSA by January 16th. You can submit an RFP on any service-learning topic, but we are especially interested in those that address:

• Service-learning and the environment, including environmental justice programs
• Service-learning and after-school programs
• Service-learning and the connection to character education or other initiatives such as MSPAP, High School Assessment, and Career Connections
• Service-learning for experienced teachers and Community Based Organizations
• Service-learning for newer teachers and Community Based Organizations
• Service-learning and youth leadership

For more information on Conference 2002, contact the MSSA by phone at 410-767-0358 or via email at kbellinger@msde.state.md.us.