Editorial
It’s No Surprise That
Masonites Are Giving Back

(January 22, 2007

This school year, George Mason students have proved themselves to be very willing to “give back.” They have gotten involved in a wide variety of altruistic projects, from the senior class blood drive, Winter Shelter project, and the SCA’s Winter Wishes drive to writing letters to our sister school in Kokolopori and sending care packages to troops in Iraq.  Because we are frequently involved in such projects, it is easy to shrug off these accomplishments as just something that we always do.  But the prevalence of Masonites “giving back” should not in any way diminish the importance of these projects or what they mean to our school.

Unlike many other high schools, we do not have a community service requirement for graduation.  Yet it is apparent that most Masonites, particularly upperclassmen, volunteer their time and effort independently.  The CAS hours requirement for the IB Diploma usually doesn’t cause diploma candidates much trouble at all, as many already have well beyond 150 hours of service.  At the moment, many seniors are receiving open campus privileges for their community service. 

It would perhaps be inaccurate to say that every Masonite has volunteered their time out of purely altruistic motives.  Volunteer work is undeniably important to record on college applications and is a requirement for membership to the National Honor Society.  The idea of volunteering probably appealed to parents long before it appealed to students.  But regardless of who initiated it, the fact that Masonites continue to be involved in their community and recognize the value of volunteering is what matters.  Some have volunteered throughout high school tutoring fellow students, working at libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, and soup kitchens, teaching classes, helping elderly neighbors, and sorting medical supplies.

It is great to see that Masonites have taken the initiative to become involved in such a variety of projects outside of school.  But it is just as compelling when students across several grade levels find a common connection through their shared interest in giving back.  Projects like the blood drive, Winter Shelter project, and Winter Wishes drive have all brought students together in a unique way, encouraging classmates to bond and have fun while working for a good cause.           

The staff of Lasso Online would like to commend Masonites for their admirable efforts this year and encourage everyone to continue getting involved in ways to “give back!”