Yes, it’s true, Cary Academy does so much to model our statement of community values “To Act with Respect, Integrity and Compassion” each and every day!
Our families and students consistently reach well beyond our CA walls to “take responsibility as a global citizen and act with the interests of the local and world community” as stated in our Portrait of a Graduate. We integrate giving back to our communities, especially those in our own backyard, through community service, both through curriculum and voluntary participation.
How do we do this and not mandate service hours to graduate from CA? We weave service opportunities into every grade level so it becomes the thread of the fiber that creates a giving community!
The student driven ideas for service and fundraisers are thoughtful, creative, and full of compassionate problem solving. The list of engagement in our greater communities is long and robust! Just this week in the MS students packed weekend meal bags for Reedy Creek BackPack Buddies, volunteered at the Food Bank and held a fundraiser for Breast Cancer research. In the US over 75 percent of the students choose to volunteer by joining a service club, already giving 1,000 hours in T1! This month they gleaned thousands of pounds of yams on a Saturday, tutored MS students, hosted a blood drive, raised the flags at CA every day, hosted several Disaster Relief events, volunteered with the Dragon Boat Festival, Lung Cancer Run, Marbles Kids Museum and so many more.
Best of all, real world issues are explored, independently, in the classroom, or with the whole CA community. Most recently the bi-annual US Service Fair allowed students to submit proposals and present to their peers or invite various organizations to share their passion! In total, 30 organizations were showcased and most session were student led. A small sampling: Civil Air Patrol, Carolina Tiger Rescue, Special Olympics, Haven House, Meals on Wheels and even a workshop on how to start your own non-profit!
But wait, there’s more! This year the PTAA and Service Learning are teaming up each trimester for a Family Service Day. T1 was dedicated to assembling boxes of food and hygiene supplies for Puerto Rico. An energetic, enthusiastic group of over 100 CA families gathered to make very short work of donating items, lovingly packing the care packages, writing notes and even shipping their own boxes!
It is obvious to me each and every day the very fiber of our compassionate community is very strong. I am continually awed by our CA community and am honored to be at your service!
