In recognition of Hazelwood West High School being one
of 125 schools throughout the country to receive a State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant, the Hazelwood City Council recently issued a proclamation congratulating student participants for their hard work in achieving this honor.

Since 2007, Youth Service America (YSA) and State Farm have joined together in co-sponsoring this grant awards program which supports the development of youth-led service projects in communities across the country. During the first 3 years of the program, 100 recipients were chosen annually to receive a $1,000 grant.

In 2011, they expanded the program to honor 125, with Hazelwood West High School being one of them. Many of these project initiatives were launched on January 17 to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his call for social justice. They focused on tackling a variety of issues such as hunger, homelessness, education, and environmental sustainability. Some of the students followed YSA’s Semester of Service framework, encouraging them to spend at least 70 hours addressing meaningful community needs connected to academic standards. Most of the projects were completed by Global Youth Service Day, April 15-17, an international service event celebrating the contributions of children and youth.

Hazelwood West High School's service-learning project was titled, “Exploring Diversity through the Arts.” It began with students creating large scale artifacts used in the production of “Peanutman,” a theatrical play performed at both the high school and Armstrong Elementary School.

Students from both schools also participated in the “Systems Thinking Institute” at Washington University to illustrate historical influences of the Westward Expansion through art. In addition, their artwork will be displayed at various locations in the community for the remainder of the semester.