Mapleton may not have a record for the most community service hours one student has accumulated, but if it did, Academy High School senior Andrew G. might have it.  

As part of the district’s graduation requirements, all Mapleton students must complete 40 community service or volunteer work hours. Andrew recorded more than 200, mostly in the last two years as he was unable to volunteer much during his freshman and sophomore years because of COVID.  

Through his membership with the City of Thornton’s Youth & Teen Volunteer Corps, he helped several local organizations by doing things like pruning trees, painting walls, and picking up trash. Just a couple examples of his work include organizing shelves at the Arc Thrift Store and cleaning after and providing mental stimulation to retired horses at the Daisy Chain Sanctuary, in Brighton. He also volunteered close to home, setting up and taking down his teacher’s chemistry labs and assisting other students with their schoolwork.  

Andrew said he volunteers because it builds character and it’s important for him to give back. 

“I think giving out kindness is equally as special as receiving and I really enjoy giving my time to help my community through hands-on work,” he said. 

After he graduates, he hopes to land an apprenticeship with an electrician, and he would like to find another organization with which he can volunteer.