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Oct 31, 2010

"It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference." --Tom Brokaw

School Volunteers Fill Void

Lehigh University grad Felicia Cooper has spent almost everyday for the past month in the library of Overbrook High School, devoting her working hours to helping students at risk. A West Philly native, serving these students is a homecoming of sorts. "I am from the School District of Philadelphia, so I know some of the challenges as a student that could be faced." It's volunteers like Cooper that help school personnel across the city meet the daunting task of fulfilling not only students' academic goals, but their social and emotional needs as well. And hundreds of individuals and volunteer groups like City Year have stepped in to help fill the void. "It's that kind of support in schools that makes a difference in the lives of students," said Ethelyn Young, principal at Overbrook. "I couldn't do it without them. They bring energy, new ideas and passion."