Overview
Imani needs twenty volunteer hours to qualify for the school leadership award. She has only completed twelve, and the deadline is tomorrow. A friend offers to sign off on hours she did not actually do.
The Choice
Should Imani fake her volunteer hours?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.56160173160173
- Word Count
- 330 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Imani has worked hard all semester to earn the school leadership award. The final requirement is twenty hours of community service. She has genuinely completed twelve hours at a food bank, but between studying for finals and taking care of her younger brother, she ran out of time. Her friend Devon, who works at the food bank, offers to sign a form saying she completed all twenty hours. "Nobody checks these anyway," Devon says. The deadline is tomorrow, and Imani has wanted this award since sixth grade.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Submit only the twelve hours she actually completed.
Accept the fake sign-off to reach twenty hours.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
Does Imani deserve the award if she fakes some of her hours?
- 2
What would happen if every student exaggerated their volunteer hours?
- 3
Does having a good reason for falling short make it okay to be dishonest?
- 4
How would Imani feel accepting the award knowing the truth?
- 5
What does this decision say about the kind of leader Imani wants to be?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Immanuel Kant
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.