Red Cloud Celebrates National AmeriCorps Week

posted on March 12, 2013

This week Red Cloud is taking part in the national celebration of AmeriCorps Week, March 9-17, spotlighting the vital work done by AmeriCorps members at Red Cloud, as well as in communities throughout South Dakota and across the country.  

Since 1994, more than 800,000 Americans have given more than 1 billion hours of service through AmeriCorps.  AmeriCorps members work to meet pressing community needs across the nation – focusing on strengthening education, assisting veterans and military families, providing disaster services, fostering economic opportunity, expanding health services and preserving the environment. Serving at more 15,000 locations, AmeriCorps members recruited and managed more than four million volunteers last year, boosting the impact of the nonprofit and faith-based organizations they serve. 

Margi Bettelyoun, Red Cloud’s AmeriCorps director, estimates that the school’s AmeriCorps members collectively provide 40,000 hours of service during an average school year.  “The impact of this service is realized through the continued achievements of the students,” says Bettelyoun. 

At Red Cloud, AmeriCorps members hold a range of important positions, serving as librarians, teachers, and program directors.  “Our AmeriCorps members have a tremendous impact in the school,” says Ted Hamilton, Red Cloud’s superintendent.  He explains that members of the 19-year old national service program allow Red Cloud to provide high-quality, more diverse educational opportunities.

AmeriCorps Week is an annual event designed to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps’ community partners, and recognize AmeriCorps’ impact on communities and on the lives of those who serve.  Hundreds of events are taking place across the United States – service projects, recruitment fairs, school presentations, alumni gatherings, awards ceremonies, and more.  For more information visit AmeriCorps.gov