MASON — Volunteering his time to help others is what Kendall Roush, a senior at Wahama High School, enjoys doing best.

Roush, 18, New Haven, spends most of his time volunteering at the New Haven Volunteer Fire Department.

“I love it,” Roush said. “I like knowing that I am helping others and helping my community.”

The New Haven Volunteer Fire Department is staffed with nearly 40 volunteers and Roush is one of the few students that has found interest in serving the community in this fashion.

According to Roush, he has been with the fire department for 10 months. His typical day includes attending school, then going to the station where he will go on calls if needed. Recently, Roush completed his Level 1 training and passed with flying colors. He said that he was nervous about the test, but that he felt well prepared with training he received.

“The equipment is a little heavy, but I look forward to learning even more,” Roush said.

Roush’s interest in aiding people stems from relatives who are firefighters and also from his interest in movies that involve fire fighting.

“I enjoy working as a team,” Roush said.

He plans to continue to volunteer with the fire department and perhaps apply as an officer at the sheriff’s department one day. Wherever he finds himself, he knows he wants to always be a help to someone else.

At Wahama, Roush is described by administrators as an “excellent student who is hard working, dependable, and a down-right good kid.”

Roush said that he likes Wahama because it’s a small school with great teachers.

“Everyone knows everyone, and I like that too,” Roush said.

When he finds the free time in between class work and riding around in the fire truck, Roush works at Health-Aid Pharmacy in New Haven and stays involved with other types of community service.

At his job, Roush delivers medications to shut-ins and elderly who are unable to make it to the pharmacy. This is yet another way in which this 18-year old assists his community.

“It’s a good job that is rewarding,” Roush said.

In his community, Roush spends time helping needy families at Christmas time with Share of Christmas, an organization that shops for families during the holidays to help provide a merrier Christmas to those who are less fortunate.

Roush also volunteers during the Bend Area Care Catfish Tournament in the summer.

“I like helping with the tournament, and of course seeing who can catch the biggest fish,” Roush said.

After graduation, Roush continues to lend a helping hand in his community and volunteering.

“I am just a helpful guy,” Roush said. “Helping others is what I feel like I do best.”