The Alternative Education program in the Clinton School district has seen the successful implementation of something new to the program.

Katy Arnold starting later second semester last year worked with the Clinton Board of Education to get the students that are a part of the Alternative Education program to be a part of the community in a positive manner. Students help younger kids at Lincoln School and also helping out at Encore Thrift Store. Arnold and Kate Melia spearheaded the endeavor with the students, and Arnold explains they tried to gear volunteering towards those students who did not have jobs.

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To this point the program has had a very positive influence on the students. According to Arnold, she hears most often from the students is they did not realize the impact they could have on those younger students, who really look up to them.

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Superintendent of the Clinton School District, Dr. Jeff Holmes calls the program a blessing to the students of the younger grades. He has seen first hand the good things happening with the students that are a part of the Alternative Education program.

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The students have worked with Lincoln and Webster Elementary schools in Clinton along with Habitat For Humanity, Friends of the Warner Library and Liberty Village.

As of mid-April, the students had put over 750 hours of community service into the program.