Written by Carolyn Greco, City of Dublin Volunteer
Two recent Dublin Jerome High School graduates, Megan Reimer and Linus Yu, have been described as “amazing teens who do anything and everything for the Dublin Irish Festival and beyond.” The friends have been spending the past six years volunteering for Dublin—and having fun.
Megan and Linus met as Camp Project LEED volunteers in junior high. The camp is designed for students entering 7th – 9th grades who enjoy community volunteering. Linus can still tell you what the letters stand for: Leadership, Ethics, Esteem and Duty—something the young adults take seriously. What began as a summer filled with volunteering at youth camps, hanging out playing games, and trips to UDF, morphed into becoming the creators and leaders of Dublin’s Teen Corps.
Linus explained that they came up with the Teen Corps idea when he and Megan aged out of LEED.
“Teen Corps is a group of high school students who volunteer while learning about Dublin’s government,” said Megan.
The group of about 20 teens meets once or twice a month in the summer either to learn about the community or to volunteer as a group. Every year Teen Corps works together at the Dublin Irish Festival on Sunday evening. Last year, they worked at the South Hospitality area checking entrants’ identifications and serving guests. The year before, the group spent the Sunday evening working at the entrance gates helping to close the Festival.
Both Linus and Megan enjoy volunteering at the Festival as “fill-ins” and “go-tos” – anywhere they are needed
“My favorite is working the week leading up to the event,” said Megan. “I like passing out the volunteer packets and talking to people.”
“Teen Corps gives you a new appreciation for what the City does,” said Linus. “Like for the Irish Festival, the City starts planning for next year’s Irish Fest as soon as this year’s ends.”
“We learn about our community so we know the best way to serve it,” said Megan.
The young people have assisted with other activities including selling tables for Dublin’s Independence Day festivities. This summer, the two were at the recreation center at 7:30 a.m. for the annual table sales event helping more than 300 residents.
Linus said the best activity was meeting City Manager, Dana McDaniel, and participating in roundtable discussions in the park. “It really showed his dedication to the City, and how we as residents have a say.”
Both agreed volunteering gives them a feeling of accomplishment. “I’ve never felt like I’ve lost time,” said Linus. “Being able to do something for other people feels meaningful.”
“With big events like the Irish Festival, it’s controlled chaos,” said Megan. “We’re able to help make things run more smoothly and that’s a great feeling.”
The seniors are headed off to college in the fall of 2019. It’s a sure bet they will continue their community involvement well into the future!
The Volunteer Spotlight series shines a light on the City of Dublin’s valued volunteers. To recommend a deserving volunteer, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, email volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
