As so aptly said by journalist Mark Shields, "There is always strength in numbers. The more individuals or organizations that you rally to your cause, the better."
St. Johns Country Day School is a Pre-K to 12th Grade private school located in Orange Park - Clay County, Florida. On September 25, 2015, the Upper School student body embarked on an ambitious project - 1000 community service hours in just one day. Did the hard work and kind hearts of these students impact the North Florida community? You better believe it. The outpouring of community service and goodwill were great ways to help those in need and help foster the importance and value of giving and concerted acts of kindness. Certainly, random acts of kindness help make the world a better place. Holding open a door, buying a neighbor a cup of coffee, and offering a smile and kind word all make the day a bit brighter. It should also be noted the concerted acts of kindness impact the community as well. This is especially true when the importance of these values and work ethic are taught to and performed by the children in the community.
At St. Johns Country Day School, this wonderful day of service was organized by the SJCDS Interact Club, which shares the ideals of Rotary International and is sponsored by the Orange Park Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Fleming Island. At SJCDS, the Interact Club is ably led by Heather Velasco, a 10th grade teacher of Modern World History. It was Ms. Velasco's vision, passion, leadership, and, yes, hard work that brought this special day together.
The Rotary Club provides mentorship, leadership, and assistance in students' achieving their community service goals. The organizations served on this day of service included the following: Feeding Northeast Florida, I.M. Sulzbacher Center, Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs, The Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, Lighthouse Learning Center, P.E.T. (Personal Energy Transport) Project, Institute of Worship Studies, Habitat for Humanity of Clay County, Quigley House, SAFE Animal Shelter, Sanctuary on 8th, Clay County Dental Clinic, Westminster Woods, Ronald McDonald House, and Clay Humane Society.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the esteemed American author and poet (1807-1882), provided some wonderful advice that certainly can apply to even our technologically advanced world of today:
"The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service."
Simply stated, Longfellow encouraged people to take action rather than just sit around and think about it. The students at St. Johns Country Day School certainly took this advice to heart and together performed over 1000 of service in one day.When the students at St. Johns Country Day School returned to campus after the long but fulfilling day of service, there was excitement and positive energy that filled the entire school. Students exchanged stories of their adventures and hard work out in the community helping others.
It should be noted that September 25, 2015 was just one day of many during the school year and summer that students at SJCDS serve the community. St. Johns Country Day School students understand that service to others is not limited to one day or one moment in time. There are opportunities on a daily basis to make a difference in the lives of others. Certainly, September 25, 2015 was a day marked by the power of kind hearts and, yes, strength in numbers.
The Good Deed Brigade salutes the students at St. Johns Country Day School for their concerted acts of kindness and service. Follow the example and lead of these students and go forth and perform good deeds in the community.
