The Volunteer of the Week is Alicia Cruthirds. Cruthirds was born and raised in Vicksburg. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cruthirds.

She graduated in 2007 from Vicksburg High School. She then graduated from Hinds Community College, Jackson State University, with a bachelor’s degree in biology, pre-med and specialist in educational leadership. She also graduated from Alcorn State University with a master’s degree in biotechnology. She is a member of the Vicksburg Kiwanis Club and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Cruthirds is presently a Biomedical Science teacher at Vicksburg High School and a musician. 

How did your volunteering for Vicksburg High School’s Key Club begin?

It started two years ago when I was selected to be the advisor for Vicksburg High School’s Key Club. 

How long have you been volunteering with Vicksburg High School’s Key Club?

I have been volunteering with Key Club for two years. 

What is your favorite memory while volunteering for Vicksburg High School’s Key Club?

My favorite memory while volunteering was helping my Key Clubbers fix plates for the Kiwanis Chili Feast. 

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, make a positive impact and provide a networking opportunity. You have to be passionate about volunteering and willing to serve. Volunteering can be valuable, both personally and professionally. 

What are some of your tasks while volunteering with Vicksburg High School’s Key Club?

While volunteering, my task was to help assist my Key Club students and fix and package the plates. 

What have you learned from volunteering?

I have learned that volunteering brings a sense of connection to the community. It strengthens social bonds and helps to reinforce the importance of collective action. Volunteering helps gain leadership skills, time management, communication skills, teamwork, organization and planning skills.

How can someone else who might be interested in volunteering with Vicksburg High School’s Key Club get involved?

Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to the Vicksburg Kiwanis Club and apply for membership online. A meeting is held every Tuesday at noon at the Vicksburg Convention Center. 

If there is a volunteer who should be featured, please submit their name and contact information to volunteer@vicksburgpost.com.