If Ben Herman’s mother had her way her son would spend more time concentrating on his studies instead of helping make the world a better place for others.

But she doesn’t stand in his way as she understands that there is more to a graduate than his or her academic achievements.

But her concerns seem to be well founded as her son seems to have a penchant to take on personally challenging projects and volunteering for causes that reflect his practical, social and ethical views.

“I told my mom not to worry because I love what I do,” said Herman, who is graduating from Victoria High School. “And I love to organize, interact and influence others.”

In the past he has taken on the organization of school events and fundraised for Change for Change, a nonprofit organization that raises money for various charitable causes.

His fundraising activities have been the catalyst for developing his communication skills because of the need to give speeches on the charities he supports.

But initially Herman was nervous of public speaking.

He remembers his first speech as a terrifying experience. His heart was pounding but he overcome his fears by drawing on his inner strength. He got through the experience by thinking of the people who would benefit from his efforts.

“I’m learning still,” said Herman on both his speech giving and the work of the different charities. His audience is usually fellow students.

“I was apprehensive, but glad because they (the students) totally got it. I kept going because I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

He eventually gave the speech to 24 classes.

Through the development of his organizational skills Herman created an organization called Active Hope, a student-led group within Victoria High School.

Active Hope tackles issues such as child soldiers and youth exploitation, possibly because of the efforts of another non-profit organization, Invisible Children, which exposed the plight of child soldiers in northern Uganda in 2003.

Active Hope also works closely with Free the Children, the world’s largest network of children helping children through education.

Their goal is to free children from poverty and exploitation. Through fundraising they work to build schools and provide education. The charity’s focus is to affect positive change in the world by liberating youth from the notion they are powerless.

On top of his studies and extracurricular activities, such as the captain of the school’s rugby team, Herman somehow finds enough spare time to work 20 hours a week at a local restaurant.

He planned his heavy work load in his final year in high school because he recognized the opportunity school affords to launch such an initiative.

“I know I am always going to do this (charity work), so why not now,” he said. “Once I get out of high school everything’s going to cost more.”

Herman, whose family moved to Victoria three years ago, intends to pursue a path in business and commerce upon his graduation. He has plans to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and eventually run his own business.

Parrais@tc.canwest.com