Nov 29, 2001

VERNON — Even the most devoted do-gooder might not

want to commit to 2,002 hours of volunteer work. But

Rockville High School seniors Seth and Blake Melling did.

Their faith in themselves is heartwarming proof that the

next generation is producing some fine leaders.

When their mother, Lori Sladyk challenged the twin

brothers to put in a combined total of 2,002 hours of

volunteer service between their sophomore year and June

2002 graduation, the goal seemed daunting. But their

enthusiasm built as the hours accumulated. Still, they

worked an average of 10 hours weekly to reach the goal.

That meant volunteering most Saturdays and several

hours during the week. Many adults would have trouble

with that schedule.

But the project was natural for this service-oriented

Vernon family. The idea began at one of their weekly

family meetings when they talked about long-term goals.

Ms. Sladyk worried at first that keeping track of the hours

would seem like bragging. But she knew teenagers

responded best to structure. That’s what her challenge

gave them. Seth and Blake, now 17, were responding to

some smart parenting, too.

The hardest part at first was finding places that welcomed

their good intentions. Because of their age, some

organizations were reluctant to accept their help. Ms.

Sladyk showed the sincerity behind her challenge by often

working alongside them so they could be supervised.

Later, the boys developed networking and people skills,

prompting groups to seek them out. Those skills are a

bonus that will last throughout life.

They didn’t just focus on one activity. Together or alone

they did everything from hospital work to building a school

walkway. That was also one of Ms. Sladyk’s aims. She

wisely wanted them exposed to many situations.

Seth and Blake don’t constantly check their tally. But it is

clear they will reach their goal by Friday- way ahead of

schedule.

Good works and good people are hard to stop.

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