Photo Contributed
United Community Ministries (UCM) hosted a group of 20 graduating seniors from West Potomac High School during the final two weeks of their high school careers. This annual opportunity to volunteer, while also learning, is called SHOUT, or Students Helping Others United Together. Each SHOUT volunteer commits to spending 40 hours with the nonprofit agency. Above, from left, are graduating seniors: Afua Owusuaa (Northern Virginia Community College), Comfort Asamoa (Virginia State University), Amana Bhulyan (Salem College), Evelyn Sorto, Sana Iqbal, Revathi Mohan (University of Virginia), Jensy Manzano. In the front row are Summer Awad (Northern Virginia Community College), with Jessica Landon, West Potomac High School Librarian and SHOUT coordinator. SHOUT volunteers not pictured are: Sandra Achai, Akuah Boaheng (Virginia Commonwealth University), Lydia Boateng, Joycelin Chanas (Virginia State University), Jacinda Djossou (Virginia Tech), Maguerite Djossou (Virginia Tech), Natali Gonzalez (Virginia Commonwealth University), Victoria Jones, Jocelyn Mendoza, Mezmure Tesfaye, and Sarah Yankson (Virginia Commonwealth University). Students helped in the Food Pantry, at the Early Learning Center interacting with the Pre-K students, and with marketing and promotion, among other departments. At the end of the two-week period, the students gave presentations to UCM staff about what they had learned and what the experience meant to them. UCM has many opportunities for groups and individuals of all ages to get involved to volunteer to help neighbors in need, across all program areas and for all talents and schedules. For a list of current priority needs and to register for a Volunteer Orientation session, visit www.ucmagency.org and click “Support Us.” For questions or ideas for volunteer projects, contact Emily Griffin, UCM Volunteer Coordinator, at emily.griffin@ucmagency.org or 571-255-8973.