Students in Ms. Tarvin’s leadership class at Jefferson County Middle School (JCMS) took a hands‑on field trip this week to see how leadership can strengthen their community. The group began at the Bend Food Pantry, where they rolled up their sleeves to unload new food deliveries and stock shelves for families in need.
Learning by serving
“When you see the impact of a simple act like stocking a shelf, you understand how leadership translates into real‑world help,” said Ms. Tarvin, the class teacher. The students reported that the pantry staff welcomed their assistance and explained how volunteers keep the operation running smoothly.
After the pantry, the class met with Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler for a question‑and‑answer session. The mayor answered student inquiries about city priorities, the importance of civic engagement, and how young people can influence local decision‑making. She emphasized the role of families and faith communities in supporting city initiatives.
Fairgrounds tour and board discussion
The itinerary continued with a tour of the Bend Fairgrounds, a hub for community events ranging from agricultural fairs to holiday markets. While on site, the students gathered for a brief leadership meeting with Fairgrounds Board Member Dan Comingore. Comingore highlighted upcoming projects, including plans to expand family‑friendly programming and improve facilities for local nonprofits.
Students left the fairgrounds with a clearer picture of how municipal leaders, board members, and volunteers collaborate to keep Bend thriving. They reflected on the experience in a class debrief, noting that service projects like this reinforce the values of responsibility, stewardship, and community pride.
Why it matters
JCMS’s leadership curriculum aims to equip students with practical skills and a sense of civic duty. By connecting classroom lessons with real‑world service, the program helps young people develop the confidence to lead in churches, homes, and future workplaces.
Mayor Kebler praised the partnership, stating, “Our city is stronger when the next generation steps up to serve. These students are a testament to the power of faith‑based families and community involvement.” The fairgrounds board member added, “Engaging youth early builds a pipeline of informed, compassionate leaders for tomorrow.”
As the students returned to school, they carried with them not only boxes of canned goods but also a renewed commitment to serve their neighbors, embodying the core values of faith, family, and liberty that define the Bend community.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
