At only 15 years old, Cody March has managed to dedicate much of his time to giving back to the community he calls home.
March, a sophomore at Westerville North High School, has dreams of becoming a police officer. While he says he hasn’t given much thought to attending college, he does believe the Columbus Police Academy is in his future.
“I would like to be able to help others in the community,” says March, adding that he would love to stay local and become a police officer for the Westerville Division of Police and remain in his hometown. “I’m happy here.”
March’s passion for police work stems from his involvement and service within the Westerville community.
The teen has been involved with a fishing club throughout his middle school years as well as during his time at North. He took up the hobby during visits to his grandparents’ pond.
“I’ve always loved to fish, I saw that it was offered and I figured I’d go for it,” March says.
March is now part of the Hartley’s Hawgs fishing club, which also includes a service program called Fishing Has No Boundaries. Through this program, March is able to teach others, including those with special needs, how to fish.
“(It’s taught me) mainly not to take life for granted, to live and help others who need it,” March says.
The club – hosted by adult bass-fishing club Columbus Bassmasters – is named for Charlie Hartley, a professional bass fisherman and founder of the Walnut Springs Middle School Fishing Club. It was formed by father-son team Robert and Dustin Evans to provide opportunities to fish for local high schoolers with no other such options.
March has been attending Vineyard Church of Columbus all his life. He likes to stay active in the church by assisting with stage setup and the sound system for various music performances.
He also helps out with lesson plans and, once a month, pays a visit to the YWCA Family Homeless Shelter, where he prepares breakfast for residents in need of a hot meal.
“It gives you the opportunity to see that other people don’t have the same luxuries as you do,” March says. “It reminds you that you should help them.”
March is also a first-class Boy Scout, and has been participating in Boy Scouts since he was in first grade. He is always looking for ways to expand his community service in Westerville, even though his schedule is fairly packed.
His parents and grandfather, he says, have been some of his biggest supporters and inspirations.
“My parents are always there, encouraging me to go and do other things I enjoy doing and to help others,” March says. “And my grandpa, he tries to help me as much as he can.”
March encourages others his age to get involved with community service as early as possible. Though there are certainly other commitments between school and family, it is important to find the time to give back, he says.
“I would encourage people to explore around and see what sort of activities they like,” March says. “Once they find something, go and do it. And encourage others to help out.”
Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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