Students from Xavier College Preparatory High School, Palm Desert, participated in a perspective-altering immersion service trip to New Orleans in November 2023. The students participated in a five-day trip hosted by Youth Rebuilding New Orleans (YRNO), a youth driven organization whose efforts are directed at bettering the lives of the city’s future.
The students first met with their YRNO representatives, who informed them of the service work they would be doing to a New Orleans community member’s house. The work included tidying up the exterior, scraping off old paint and applying a fresh coat of paint to the home.
“When Ms. Louis saw our gift for her, she was filled with many emotions and began to tear up,” said Xavier Prep juniors Lauren Kreizenbeck and Sienna Ianni. “All of us could recognize her appreciation of our work through her emotions.”
Through the immersive service trip, the Xavier Prep students were enlightened about how their volunteer work can help people’s lives.
“We were all so grateful for the opportunity to go on this immersion trip and the bond and experiences we shared as a team were unmatched,” said Xavier juniors Jose Villanueva-Gomez and Nick Magaña. “Our time serving… was truly special and enlightening.”