During the annual Community Service Day students were assigned to different locations to serve the community in the surrounding area. This day of service contributes to forming young men and women as leaders in the light and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Serving others, just as Christ did, was a humbling opportunity for many of the students.
Many current Aquinas Falcons have transferred from small, Catholic elementary schools, where many were assigned for the day of service. Senior Kayla Martinez spent her day at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School, where she offered her leadership skills in the second grade classroom. After helping to organize and clean the classroom, Kayla helped a student practice her reading for the upcoming school Mass.
“It was a humbling experience because it feels great to come back to this place that used to be my home and help encourage the kids to do their best and follow their dreams,” said Kayla, who attended Our Lady of the Assumption School.
Other students did community service by working for organizations in the Inland Empire, such as Santa Claus, Inc. While it may have a festive holiday name, Santa Claus, Inc. provides tangibles and support for children across the area year-round. A group of Falcons were assigned there to make gift bags filled with toys for children of all ages.
“It feels good knowing that these kids will be getting something, whatever it may be,” said senior Caleb Reyes.
While some students worked at schools and organizations, others served at their home, Aquinas. With different moderators overseeing different tasks throughout the campus, students cleaned classrooms, assisted administrators, and helped ready the gym for its upcoming renovation.
One group, moderated by Spanish teacher Ms. Meliza Smith, packed lunches and delivered them to the homeless throughout the area. This action, feeding the hungry, is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy, a set of Christian ideals and duties expected to be performed by all believers.
“It’s really rewarding because you are personally making someone’s day better,” said Senior Emma Rumpf-Snavely. “You could see the gratitude on their face as you do something so simple as giving them a lunch.”
The students packed three hundred sack lunches, split into three vans, and delivered them across the city.
Participating as a school community in serving those around us exemplifies the true morals of Aquinas High School. Mrs. Cecilia Mejia, Dean of Students, said, “Our utmost desire as a Catholic school is to encourage Christian character. Christ did not come to be served; He came to serve others, as Matthew 20:28 states.”
Together, Aquinas’ student body continues to follow Christ’s example, not only on Community Service Day, but every day throughout the year.