On June 4 and 5, Minnetonka High School seniors volunteered at a number of community locations for the annual Senior Serve event. Students filled more than 780 volunteer slots at more than 100 sites, with many students signing up for multiple slots. Opportunities to give back to the Minnetonka community included leading field day activities at the elementary schools, helping wash fire trucks at the Minnetonka Fire Department, and carrying out daily tasks at the Gale Woods Farm.

Staff at the various locations witnessed strong turnout from MHS seniors and impacts on the community in many ways. Megan Rank was a site supervisor for students volunteering at Deephaven Elementary. 

“This is my second time helping out with Senior Serve, and I loved it even more this year. I received numerous compliments about how wonderful the seniors were with the students. I also got to watch seniors reconnect with their former elementary school teachers which was really special. Admin and teachers said it is such a wonderful program,” she shared.

Seniors demonstrated an eagerness and commitment to completing tasks well while also fully enjoying their time volunteering, sometimes even exploring new and exciting activities. Jon Lovald, a member of the Minnetonka Fire Department, shared his experience working alongside a senior.

“When I arrived at the station, the student's mom was just about to leave and she was saying how much the student was looking forward to the day at the fire department. When we heard that, we made sure that the student rode up front with me in our ladder truck,” he said. The experience made the student's day while also giving back to the community in valuable ways.

Similarly, Ken Smith ‘24 and Leo Rosenhagen ‘24, long-time members of the MHS Symphony Orchestra, were especially happy to perform at The Glen Senior Living Home. “We’re excited to give back to the community while also sharing some awesome music,” said Rosenhagen. 

Community Service Specialist Sarah Johnson expressed how impressed she felt with the Class of 2024’s remarkable impact on Minnetonka. 

“Seniors Serve…gives our seniors the ability to give back to the community that has supported them during their entire educational experience. Instilling the desire to serve the greater good is an important part of Minnetonka's mission. So many were willing to share their incredible creative talents, showed determination and their strong work ethic while tackling big projects around the community, and brought their genuine enthusiasm to activities involving younger students and beloved teachers.”