In an inspiring move to bridge the gap between student volunteers and local businesses, two sophomores from Hopkinton High School (HHS), Dylan Hatherley and Katherine Martinez, have established a non-profit initiative named, Hopkinton Community Events.

Hopkinton Community Events Vision

The central foundation of Hopkinton Community Events is to fill the gap in the community that connects student volunteers with businesses and organizations seeking help. Aware that students are required by the HHS National Honor Society (NHS) to complete 20 hours of volunteer work, Hatherley and Martinez saw value in creating the opportunity.

Breaking Down Community Service Requirements

In addition to GPA, leadership, and character, the requirements to be part of the HHS National Honor Society include at least 20 hours of community service to remain in good standing. These hours are submitted in two sections — the first 10 must be reported by the end of the first semester, and the second set of hours (for a total of 20) are due by May 1 for seniors or at the end of the year for juniors. Students must complete at least two of their volunteer hours in group service projects organized by the HHS National Honor Society chapter to help promote bonding among peers.

The school also permits students to fulfill part of their hours during the summer months, meaning that if students want to accumulate their service hours during their vacation, they can complete up to 10 hours over the summer and have them count toward the overall requirement.

The Solution

The genesis of Hatherley and Martinez’s initiative was born out of the fact that, while there are numerous local businesses in need of volunteers, it seemed that there wasn’t significant coordination to make sure the two parties could find each other. As the founders of Hopkinton Community Events, Hatherley and Martinez wanted to create a unique resource: an easier way for businesses in town to find responsible volunteers looking for experience and service hours.

The founders are committed to building a strong network that not only serves students but also the community as it grows. In building these relationships, Hopkinton Community Events hopes to promote involvement and, as a byproduct, help local businesses, which creates a winning solution for students and businesses alike.

Through the launch of this initiative, Hatherley and Martinez embody community service and entrepreneurship. Hopkinton Community Events will provide the building blocks for further community participation and volunteer efforts in Hopkinton.

Need Volunteers?

Local businesses in search of responsible volunteers can request them by emailing HopkintonCommunityEvents@gmail.com with the date and time of their event, along with the number of volunteers needed.