Ayesha Giberson ’27, Sydney Lambert ’28, and Clover Apczynski ’29, Connor Dubord ’29, Ari Bishop ’29, and Rylee Carslick ’29 volunteering at the Midcoast Humane Society in Brunswick.
As part of efforts to rebuild a post-COVID school-wide culture of community service, Lincoln Academy has established a partnership with Midcoast Humane Society that takes students to the Brunswick facility to volunteer two times a month. Students sign up to ride the LA van that travels to the Humane Society Wednesday after school and Saturday mornings to work on projects organized by volunteer coordinator Jackie Ferlito.
Recent tasks have included making “pup cups,” (frozen treats for the dogs in the shelter) and other treat plates, prepping materials for the clinic on site, small-group dog socializing, folding laundry, cleaning transport crates, and of course, lots of cuddles with cats and dogs. More than 30 students have signed up to participate in the Midcoast Humane visits, making it one of Lincoln’s most popular volunteer programs.
“I have always had a bond with animals that I was able to strengthen through this opportunity,” said LA sophomore Sydney Lambert.
“Being with animals makes me so happy, and volunteering at the shelter is a very rewarding experience,” said senior Karina Phipps. “Even though I don’t know all of the other volunteers, it feels like we are all brought together by shared compassion and care for animals.”
“Going to the Maine Humane Society was amazing!” said junior Ayesha Giberson. “I not only got to see cute animals, but also learn how they get adopted and how they are taken care of.”
LA has worked this year to plan and organize a variety of activities for students to learn more about local non-profits in hope that students will start to volunteer independently as they move through Lincoln Academy.
This year, the ninth grade class participated in a state-wide beach clean-up. Tenth graders worked on a number of projects including packing meal kits for Healthy Lincoln County, trail maintenance with Coastal Rivers Conservation, sending thank you notes to residents at Maine Veteran’s Homes. National Honor Society members assisted the Ecumenical Food Pantry to pack more than 300 Thanksgiving meals, the Climate Action Club has partnered with Coastal Rivers Conservation for a road-side clean up, and IDEAL students support local wood banks. LA students will also be assisting the WW&F Railway with their “Easter Eggspress” trains, and supporting Veggies to Table’s annual volunteer appreciation potluck.
Visits to the Midcoast Humane Society are ongoing, and include any grade student who chooses to opt in. “I love animals, and being able to help them and see them get adopted is very rewarding,” said senior Paytyn Dyer.
For more information about Lincoln Academy’s community service projects, please email volunteer coordinator Stephanie Cheney at volunteerprojects@lincolnacademy.org.
