Student in accounting internship

Shantel Chaplin is the first student at Stall High School to do a work-based learning experience in accounting.

With the help of Nancy Mielcarek, one of Stall's career counselors, Shantel began working in December, and is on her way to completing 120 volunteer hours by working three times a week from 4-6 p.m.

For her work, she will receive her last high school credit to be qualified as an official accounting completer.

Shantel is doing volunteer work at the car dealership Subaru of Charleston.

She works with Angela Polk and other employees, whom she describes as "extremely friendly." She works with bank statements, dealership trades and spread sheets.

Service group expands work

The Jefferson Awards Youth Services Initiative group has expanded and branched into divisions.

Sarah Earle, the club's sponsor, now requires her members to complete five hours of volunteer service each month in addition to any other service they must complete for other organizations they participate in.

The first division is The Jefferson leadership club committee. Each month, it recognizes one student for remarkable service.

Senior Akeem Young, a senior, was January's winner, while senior Ashley McFadden was February's winner.

The new division is the Volunteer Club. The initial goal is to double volunteer service throughout the school.

The Jeffersons participated in the Student Food Drive of 2009 and ranked third among the division. They have been working with the Haiti Drive, one of Stall's fundraisers to help Haiti Relief. Another project is the Clean City Sweep of North Charleston, coming up later in the year.

DECA competes in state contest

Once again, members of Stall's DECA team went to the state competition. Last year, 11 attended; this year, 18 of 38 members went.

The competition was to be held at the North Charleston Convention Center. Winners have not yet been announced.

Nationals this year will be held in the last week of April in Kentucky. Two members from 2009 went to nationals: Shawtranice Caraballo and Taryn Smith.

Jessica Aydlette, the club's adviser, said she hopes to increase that number this year.

"We're still reaching for Diamond Status," she said. That is the highest level of membership recognition.

In March, she was to find out which of her students qualified for nationals.

The group is continuing to host fundraisers and do community service, including selling Shamrocks for MDA.

Got feedback? Reach our young journalists through their editor at jkleine@postandcourier.com.