Averett students shared their service-learning, volunteerism and internship experiences with fellow students, faculty, staff and the community at the Third Annual Engage Showcase, in the Violet T. Frith atrium on Monday, Apr. 10.

Students presented 17 different projects where individuals and groups worked with local companies, organizations, schools and youth centers. Students say it was a great opportunity to show their fellow students what opportunities are available to them.

“The event allows students to come and see what their friends are doing but also what’s happening in the community around them. By attending the showcase, they have the opportunity to make connections and network to figure out what they can do to get involved as well,” said Lindsey Fulcher, a junior at Averett.

Fulcher was presenting her work with the Teach It Forward! program, through the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness at Averett (CCECC). Being a team leader, she is encouraging even more students to get involved next year.

“It’s also important to see what Averett’s doing in the community and how they, the student, can make a difference, even though it seems small.”

Shavonna Russell presented on her internship with the Dan River Basin Association, or DRBA. The environmental science major worked with the non-profit on communications, data entry and recruiting more volunteers.

“It was a great experience especially as I’m looking for a job. While working at DRBA, I realized how important their work is. Now I know how many jobs there are in this field and I would really like to do something similar to this in the future,” said Russell.

“The work that they engage in impacts our community in meaningful ways, but also changes them,” said Alexis Ehrhardt, executive director of the CCECC. “We feel confident that these students will go on to be active citizens in this community, or wherever they are in the world. We also are incredibly grateful to our faculty and staff who invest the time and effort to support students in these initiatives. They are critical to the success of our students, of Averett, and of our region.”

The CCECC presented three Engaged Awards during the showcase. Fulcher received the Engage Student Leader award this year. Meaghan Byrne, instructor of business administration, won the Engage Faculty Leader Award, and the Danville Church-Based Tutorial Program received the Engage Community Leader Award.