Senior class advisories fanned out across the region to volunteer at sixteen locations during their annual day of service on Wednesday, October 10.
Activities ranged from students performing a cabaret to an enthusiastic audience at Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square, to helping with Melmark's garden and harvesting produce for the Chester County Food Bank.
"Our students work really hard and are able to accomplish tasks that would not be possible without volunteers," said Community Outreach Coordinator Becky Brinks.
Upper School Classics teacher Molly Konopka, Hon. took her advisees to the Frances Willard School in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. "We read a book, Tar Beach, to a class of 2nd graders," explained Mrs. Konopka. "Then we discussed dreams and how they impact the students' lives." EA students brought arts and craft supplies and helped each student make and decorate felt squares. "The square depicted the student's dream," said Mrs. Konopka.
Upper School French teacher Christele Furey's advisory volunteered at Melmark. "My advisees were amazing as they really engaged with the residents," said Madame Furey. "At Melmark, participants in their programs receive points throughout the week and one thing they receive points for is their ability to socialize with other people. I told our group leader that the young adults we were with should all receive the maximum number of points as they were asking questions of our students, answering anything our students asked them, and we even had Robert telling us 'knock-knock' jokes!"
"This marked the fourth year that the Class of 2019 has worked together to make the world a little bit better," observed VI Form Dean Cheryl McLauchlan, Hon. "Whether working on an art project, reading to a young student, harvesting vegetables, or making casseroles for the hungry, I hope our students have learned over the years that little things can make a big difference."
Day of Service location and activities included: Arch Street Preschool, Melmark, Broad Street Ministry, G.W. Childs School, Frances Willard School, Chester Charter School for the Arts, Dunwoody, The Schuylkill Environmental Center, St. James School, SHARE, Alexander McClure School, Willistown Conservation Trust, Chester County Food Bank, Mill Creek Farm, Gift of Life Casserole preparation, and Friends of the Wissahickon.
Liz Palumbo, Phoebe Barr, Olivia Cipperman, and Emma Humann performed at Dunwoody. "They performed their set twice, and residents seemed excited to have them there. It's a lively bunch of creative students, and their energy is infectious, for sure," said Upper School English teacher Chris McCreary, Hon.
"The residents were all happy to see us and listen to our performances," said Liz Palumbo. "I even heard some people say 'beautiful' during a few performances! I also overheard a few people say that they were excited to have high schoolers visiting. I think that they were happy that we could perform live for them and help brighten their day!"
"We had a great day of service!" said Madame Furey.
