Reaching Out to Serve Our Neighbors
Community service is part of the fabric of life here at Montrose. Rooted in the teachings of Christ and inspired by the values of compassion, humility, and justice, our students are called to serve others with purpose and love. There are many clubs, events, and service trips that are dedicated to giving our students the opportunity to put their time and talent to the service of others.
But every year at Montrose, we celebrate January as an All-School Month of Service and Solidarity. It’s a focused time for our students to work with charitable organizations face-to-face. This month, our whole student body had the chance to serve in tangible ways.
The January Month of Service is organized by our intrepid Director of Student Engagement & Leadership, Bridgid Coyle, as a part of our nationally recognized Character & Leadership program. With the support of our entire faculty, staff, and chaperones, who also worked tirelessly to reorganize class schedules, drive mini-buses, and deliver smiles and encouragement, Mrs. Coyle and her students engaged with so many wonderful people and organizations this month, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Here are some of their stories!
Almost 40 students made another successful trip to DC for the March for Life. Our girls served as wonderful, joyful ambassadors to this important annual event.
Check out our student newspaper, "The Looking Glass," and their recent feature on this year’s March for Life.
Grade 6 worked with Medfield-based Theo’s Flowers to offer hope, connection, and moments of beauty to seniors affected by dementia and other memory disorders. Throughout the afternoon, students learned about this vulnerable population, explored a variety of flowers and floral care techniques, and worked collaboratively to create more than 50 thoughtful bouquets. Then, because of the mild weather, the students and faculty were able to enjoy a walk to our neighbors at the Thomas Upham House, where the girls delivered many of the arrangements in person!
Grades 7 and 8 collaborated with the 7th and 8th grade students at Xaverian Brothers for Pare and Share. Thirty students washed, peeled, cut, and packaged vegetables to be donated to The Women’s Lunch Place in Boston for use in soups and stews. Grade 7 also crafted gratitude cards for those who serve the town of Medfield, such as the town hall, the post office, the fire station, and the police department. They also whipped up care packages filled with delicious treats and delivered them to our neighbors. Grade 8 also worked in two groups with Rosie’s Place and Newton Food Pantry to organize and package hundreds of donations for Rosie’s Place in preparation for delivery, and also pack 50 Kids’ Lunches for the Newton Food Pantry. We are so grateful to the families who donated essential items to support these efforts.
Grade 9 served at Daniel’s Table, the Dedham Food Pantry and the Franklin Food Pantry to organize supplies, stock and clean shelves, and assist with meal preparation. At the Franklin Food Pantry, the girls got a tour of the facility and heard about how the need for support in the town has increased by 50% in the last two years. Working in two groups, they completed over 450 bags of essential items.
Grade 10 visited Cradles to Crayons in Newtonville, packing essential clothing items for children ages 0–12. A heartfelt thank-you to all the families who generously donated food and clothing in support of these efforts.
Grades 11 and 12 had their events rescheduled for later in February due to snow, but were able to hear from Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry with the rest of the student body during our Common Home Room last week. She spoke to students about food insecurity in their own backyard – we are grateful to Ms. Powderly for sharing her insights and emphasizing the importance of service to others.
Want to learn more about student service at Montrose?