Lincoln - Shopping and fishing might not have much in common, but Mrs. Harris' 8th grade service learning class is combining the two hobbies for a good cause.

"Service learning is really big in our school. We would like to have the students tie the curriculum to community service," said Mrs. Heidi Harris, seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher at Mattanawcook Junior High School in Lincoln.

Her students planned a day full of events on Saturday to help raise money for their local senior center.

"We're raising money to help them build a flag pole out on their yard," said eighth grader Taylor Wotton.

"We have some veterans that are members at the center, so they were real happy with the students reasons for doing the fundraiser," said Jim Whitney, director of the Golden Key Senior Center.

As thirty-two fishermen tried to reel in a big one, community members could also support the fundraiser inside by purchasing goodies and raffle tickets

"It's been a success so far," said Harris.

While most of the students helped out on the frozen pond, Kelsey Kneeland and Taylor Wotton were in charge of the bake sale.

The best friends were excited to help raise money for their new friends that they had met at the senior center earlier this year.

"I found some things about them that I'd never guess...they were really cool people to hang out with too!," said Kneeland.

So while the ultimate goal of the event is to build a flagpole, they have also built relationships and life skills that will last a life time.

"It's a great thing you know building the community and bridging that gap between the seniors and the youth was great to see happen," said Whitney.

"This has taught us that to do service learning can be really fun...and it can teach you things at the same time," said Wotton.

Mrs. Harris' class raised around $600 on Saturday. If you want to help their cause, you can send a check to:

Golden Key Senior Center
880 Main Street
Lincoln, ME 04457

Print this Story