This past Tuesday, April 28, Notre Dame Academy had its annual day of service called NDA Serves.
The event is basically a three-hour morning of service for all students and staff. Staff returns to school in the afternoon for professional development meetings.
“I think NDA Serves is a good opportunity to help our community,” said junior Secora Collins, who went to Safety Town.
In total 65 groups went out to serve the community, contributing 2,415 hours of service.
Notre Dame Academy does NDA Serves because “helping others is part of our mission and our gospel call,” said Campus Minister Kelly Waters, who is in charge of organizing the event.
About 10 parents along with the entire staff helped make this day possible.
NDA Serves is considered a school day, and attendance is expected.
To graduate Notre Dame Academy service hours are required for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Seniors often accumulate service hours to receive the annual service award.
Mrs. Waters did not work alone but also received help from Mrs. Jessica Sidon and Ms. Briana Rockwood, who created the sign-up documents.
NDA Serves began over 25 years ago when NDA’s president, Mike Gross, suggested Student Government’s Outreach Branch send a few students to serve in the community. The result was such a positive that the idea expanded to having the entire student body do service.
A big thanks goes out to chaperones and everyone who helped to keep this day running smoothly.
A group of students went to Rebekah Haven, which is an assisted living home. There students helped rake outside, plant flowers and cut up fruit for the guests.
Afterwards students spent time getting to know the guests and helping them exercise.
“I went to Rebekah Haven and had a lot of fun meeting the residents and planting flowers,” said junior Meg Augustine.
NDA Serves was a new experience for the freshmen.
Elsa Sickel said, “It was really fun because I went with a lot of my friends.” At Saint Elizabeth Ann Seaton Parish the students organized books, cleaned windows, and made games for the religious education kids.
“Overall I had a good experience, and I’m excited for it next year,” said Sickel.
Another freshman Will Schechinger did various chores at the House of Hope. In addition to doing chores, such as weeding, and hanging out with friends, he said, “I also learned more about gratitude and to appreciate what I have.”
A team of freshmen planted around 45 trees for the Village of Bellevue. Despite the less than perfect weather and the lessons in tree planting, “We were able to joke around, and this kept us entertained while working in the cold, windy weather,” said Brady Borchardt.
What did he gain from the experience? “There is hard work in the little things, and even the smallest things, like planting little trees, have lasting impact on everyone around you.”
