Students Spotlight Local Charities, Strengthen Civic Learning in Lewisburg

Lewisburg Area High School held a public speaking assignment on December 26 in which students researched and presented speeches of goodwill about charitable organizations they care about. Teacher Michael Espinosa directed the project with the stated goals of motivating civic engagement and raising awareness of community needs. The classroom presentations featured a mix of local service groups and larger relief organizations, and underscored how civic education can translate into community action.

Several students chose organizations with immediate local impact. A first generation student selected Samaritan’s Purse for a presentation that explored international and domestic relief work. Other students focused on neighborhood services, including Beacon Ministries Free Shop, which provides clothing and basic items to residents in need. Presentations highlighted specific gaps such as personal care items and day to day services that neighbors experiencing poverty often lack.

The assignment served multiple functions at once. It gave students practical public speaking experience while also acting as a bridge between the school and the nonprofit sector. For local charities, the classroom spotlight can increase visibility at a time when year end donations and volunteer recruitment are crucial. For the school district, the exercise reinforces civic education objectives that can foster lifelong community participation among young residents.

From a policy perspective, the event points to opportunities for strengthening partnerships between schools and community organizations. Incorporating structured service learning into school curricula can help institutions track volunteer pathways and measure how early civic engagement influences later participation in local governance and community support systems. Local elected officials and school leaders may see value in supporting programs that connect classroom learning to community needs.

The student presentations made clear that everyday needs remain pressing in Union County, and that schools can play an active role in promoting awareness and action. By tying public speaking to service, the project modeled how civic instruction can produce both informed students and a more resilient civic infrastructure.