It has been said that volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy: you vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.

Norwich High School sophomore Brenna Baker has taken this notion to heart as she has willingly donated much of her time in the last year doing all she can to make the community a better place.

Beginning in May, Brenna and her twin sister, Hannah, coordinated a spaghetti dinner and the first ever 'PMC Kid's Bike Ride' to help raise money to fight cancer. Together, it was reported that they raised $11,500, all of which was donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Last week, Brenna continued her philanthropic efforts by volunteering at Gibson Primary School on Thursday, Oct. 20, with 'Jeff the Magic Man' preparing balloons.

On her day off for Norwich City School District's Staff Development Day on Friday, Oct. 21, Brenna baked homemade peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats that she would go on to sell at 'Saturday in the Park: Harvest Series' the next day. After selling approximately 50 dog treats, Brenna donated the proceeds and the leftover dog treats to the SPCA.

On Sunday, Brenna rose at 4:30 a.m. to play her part in preparing and serving breakfast at the annual North Norwich Fire Department's pancake breakfast.

Brenna's next endeavors include volunteering at Perry Browne Intermediate School this week to help prepare the Pumpkin Festival float that will be showcased during the parade on Saturday, Oct. 29.

“It's this kind of volunteerism, coupled with excellent academics, that we need in our community and country at large,” said Norwich resident Kathleen Campbell. “Great work, Brenna.”