Kristin E. Forgrave, daughter of Kathryn and Robert Forgrave of Kirkland, is one of 100 Hamilton students who participated in the college’s 19th annual Alternative Spring Break. Participants performed volunteer work in 10 locations throughout the south during Hamilton’s spring break, from March 12-23.

Forgrave, a senior majoring in biology, is a graduate of Lake Washington High School.

Alternative Spring Break is intended to increase students’ awareness and concern of social issues while generating a life-long interest in community service.

This year Hamilton ASB sent students to Cumberland Trails, Tenn., Habitat for Humanity sites in West Virginia and North and South Carolina, and an after school program in North Carolina.

The Alternative Spring Break program was started in 1993 when 20 students traveled to Miami to work on Hurricane Andrew relief with Habitat for Humanity. Each year since the number of participants has increased.

Participants in the ASB trips hold a number of fund raisers throughout the academic year to earn money for their expenses, which include van rentals, accommodations, meals and in some cases, site fees.