They're active in Boy Scouts, the Clear Creek Amana School District, their church and have donated gallons of their blood.

Paul Rogers and his wife, Susan Schwartz-Rogers, believe in giving their time and talents to the youth in their community any way they can.

"I think it's important to give back because we're part of the community," Schwartz-Rogers said. "I want the youth to have as much of an opportunity as they can to have a good experience and good memories."

From the time the oldest of their three sons started school in 1984, they've been active volunteers.

They still work with F.A.M.E., the arts booster club in the district, serving as co-chairs of the annual fundraiser. Rogers served on the Clear Creek Amana School Board for seven years.

"We think it's important that students have the opportunity to participate in the arts, whether it be in vocal or instrumental music, or in drama or speech or art classes or industrial arts, whatever," Rogers said. "It's an important part of development, and it's also something you can do lifelong."

And they should know: The couple, who lives just outside Tiffin, participates in church and community choirs. Rogers also performs with the Heartbeats, a volunteer chorus at University Hospitals.

At their church, Gloria Dei Lutheran in Iowa City, Rogers and Schwartz-Rogers often serve as chaperones for youth trips and serve on church committees. Schwartz-Rogers has been coordinating youth candle lighters at the church since the early 1990s.

"It's a good way for me to get to know the kids in the church," she said. "I think it keeps me young, being around them."

Another important area of family's life is scouting. Rogers and the couple's three sons, Ben, Justin and Jacob, all are Eagle Scouts. Rogers and Schwartz-Rogers were active in their sons' troops and continue to be active in local scouting.

"We've enjoyed being involved in the community," Rogers said. "I hope the things we've done have been helpful to the youth."

- Heather Spangler