IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- St. Joseph Hill Academy High School held its 12th annual Service Day last month, in which the entire student body and faculty participated in volunteer opportunities throughout Staten Island.
Led by Hill Service Director Madeline Paladino, students were able to sign up at one of nearly 30 locations on Staten Island. Hilltoppers were also able to get permission to go to sites they found independently.
“Service learning is a major component of the education girls receive at SJHA,” said Principal Maria Molluzzo. “Our annual Day of Service is an opportunity for our students to give and interact with their community, allowing them to see first-hand the impact their service has on others. For many, serving others becomes a part of their lives forever.”
Students spent the Service Day in a variety of ways.
Some assembled springtime flower vases and visited residents at the Carmel Richmond Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Others adopted a street to clean, committing to keep it clean in subsequent months.
Students also cleaned the Carousel for All Children at Willowbrook Park and spruced up the area before Opening Day, while others assisted Cross Road Foundation’s “Mommy Store” at St. Paul/Assumption’s Catechetical Center, where baby clothes were sorted and bagged for distribution.
Additionally, students organized supplies and prepared a food distribution at the Global Medical Relief Fund, which supports medical treatment, transportation, lodging and rehabilitation in the United States for injured children from the United States and around the world.
Many students also volunteered by helping teachers in a number of classrooms and early childhood centers across the borough.
Some students also prepped with the Staten Island Not For Profit Association for the 10th Annual Staten Island Nonprofit Community Service Awards Celebration with pre-event logistics, set up, as well as onsite management.
“It truly was a blessing for our small team that relied on St. Joseph Hill Academy students’ skills, ideas, diligence, service-oriented character and calm presence to host a beautiful return to this beloved community event,” said Staten Island Not For Profit Association Executive Director Sharmila Rao-Thakkar.
Additional service projects included: making 400 ribbons for fundraising to support Ukrainian refugees; participating in a city Parks Department cleanup at the Olmsted–Beil House Park in Eltingville; delivering Meals on Wheels.