Ethan Li ’26

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The new format for service was announced late May of last year and was well-received by students and faculty alike. It is a fun stint that students can go on with their friends and contribute to the community in the process. 

Gone is the program for which students in grades 9 to 11 had to find their own opportunities to log service hours.

This fall, students have gone to different locations across the Greater Houston Area ranging from senior care centers to thrift stores and have done a variety of activities including sorting clothes, playing games with senior citizens, and packing food. 

The new service format is a great change from the old one, as students can easily contribute to the community and have a fun experience with their friends in the process. The new format is enjoyed for building relationships with classmates and fostering friendships through cooperation to achieve a mutual goal. 

Personally, I enjoyed meeting new people and serving others. 

In addition, the new format negates the stress of having to find a place to volunteer to meet the service quota. Students no longer have to worry about finding a location themselves and can enjoy an outing with friends that benefits the community around them. Those who are lucky to be grouped with friends had an extra fun experience as they built teamwork skills alongside their friends. Many communities around the Houston area have benefited from this service program. Organizations like the Houston Food Bank and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston have reaped the fruit from our students’ labor. 

Overall, the new service experience is a positive change for the school as people can make new friends, relieve a burden, and contribute greatly to the community.