MUNCIE, Ind. - Putting away the books and helping non-profit agencies continue to play a major role in the lives of students at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities.

About 203 juniors and seniors went into the community May 14, picking up trash, grooming and exercising animals and providing computer consultation.

The academy's first community service day brought local residents and students closer, said Kristin Gillon, an Indiana Academy psychologist and coordinator of the event.

"I think the students had a good time and learned a great deal about the community," she said. "At the same time, the participating agencies were pleased. It was the first time many agencies had contact with the Indiana Academy and our students."

The one-day event was a special effort to celebrate the school's 10th graduating class.

Participation cultivates an awareness of social responsibility. Academy students are required to complete 50 hours of volunteer activity to graduate, Gillon said.

Many faculty and professional personnel also volunteered their efforts to make the endeavor one of the largest community service projects in the Muncie area.

Gillon also praised MITS, the local bus service, for providing free transportation from the school to various agencies.

Participating agencies included Animal Rescue Fund, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Muncie Center for the Arts, Buhley Community Center, South Madison Community Center, Isanogel Center, Oakhurst Gardens, Muncie Parks and Recreation Department, Brook Side Haven Health Care, Bridges, West End Redevelopment, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, American Red Cross, Gateway Health Clinic and Cardinal Greenway.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager