Over 400 students, or two-thirds of the Upper School student body, devoted time to community service last year. During Wednesday’s assembly, student volunteers encouraged their peers to join them this year, as they shared their experiences of working with disabled adults, spending time with the elderly, and tutoring local elementary school students.
Nearly 250 students perform weekly service each year, and many more partake in multi-annual events such as sorting food at the Greater Boston Food Bank, organizing the Red Cross Blood Drive, and coordinating holiday giving. Collectively last year, students spent 7,780 hours at over 30 sites in the Milton and Boston area.
Six students were honored at the assembly for committing the most hours of service. Soerny Cruz (I) and Kitty Lan (II) earned the top two spots with 60 hours and 56 hours respectively.
Kitty devotes her volunteer time to the Special Olympics and playing violin at the Boston Home, a place that cares for adults with multiple sclerosis.
“I’ve played violin for a long time, but playing for the people at the Boston Home gave me a renewed sense of why I play. It became more meaningful for me, and I love it.”
The Community Service Program board consists of 18 students who coordinate weekly trips—matching student volunteer and agency needs—and promote special events. Faculty members Andrea Geyling and Heather Sugrue coordinate the program. Students learned more about individual service opportunities during the “shop-around” in the Student Center on Thursday.
