Whiz Kid: Joey Miller

Many middle school students like to spend their time during summer vacation relaxing. Joey Miller wasn’t about to sit around all summer.

Miller is getting ready for his final year at .  He wanted to spend his summer giving back to the community and found a program which helps other students from various age groups catch up during the summer months. 

The Extended School Year program (ESY) is a way for students to get help during the summer through extended work through teachers.  The program also looks for volunteers, and Miller jumped at the chance to help with ESY.

“I always wanted to try to find a way to help my community and my school,” said Miller.  “They had something where you could help out some of the kids. I got involved with it and I just really loved it.  It’s one of my favorite hobbies.  I just love helping out.”

Miller was assigned to help with some of the younger students involved with ESY.  He immediately made an impact on the lives of several youngsters and the experience was equally fulfilling for Miller.

“I helped out with the kindergarten class,” Miller said.  “A lot of those kids are really cute.  They are six-and-five years old. They learned a lot with coloring patterns and ABCs. I read a lot of books to them.  I really enjoyed it.”

Volunteers always make a difference, but the truly special volunteers feel an equal amount of gratification as their students.  Miller feels the gratification every time he sees the smiles on the student’s faces.

“It really hits me in the heart,” said Miller. “I know I’m helping them intellectually and personally. We went out at recess and played basketball, and I could tell by the look on the boy’s face how much he liked playing with another boy his age.”

Miller’s ability to connect to students at such a young age may one day carry over to a teaching career.  While Miller still has one more year of middle school ahead of him along with high school, the thought of being a teacher has crossed Miller’s mind.  Meanwhile, Miller continues to look for ways to help the community.

“I would love to do something in the educational field,” Miller said.  “When I get into eighth grade, I’m going to look to get involved with the Special Olympics and other things like that.”

Miller’s volunteer work does create one disadvantage.  His schedule it a bit more hectic than it was before he began working with ESY.  However, Miller believes it will be a benefit in the long run.

“I’m always busy with this,” said Miller.  “But I think it helps out dealing with a tough schedule and being busy.  It will really help me when I get into eighth grade.  It’s going to help me learn how to keep a schedule and keep on track with everything.”

Miller plans to continue working with ESY as well as several other volunteer organizations.  He is hoping other his age will realize the importance of volunteer work and the impact it makes on the lives of others.

“I think it’s a great message to all kids my age,” Miller said.  “It shows that helping out in the community is great.  You can get involved with the community and really help out.  Most kids think they have better things to do, but this is fun and I love it, and I think other kids love it, too.”