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Jan 01

Nurturing Hearts and Making an Impact

BY Neil Hawkins

Evelyn (left) and Giovanni, both grade 2, and Joseph, grade 1, show their gratitude to veterans.

Neil Hawkins

Camille (left) and Mar, grade 4, and Jasmine, grade 5, present their bundled washcloths.

Neil Hawkins

Adventist Christian Academy (ACA), nestled in New Port Richey, Florida, is a beacon of social emotional intelligence. At the heart of ACA’s mission lies a commitment to outreach, an ethos deeply embedded in its core values. The school collaborates with various organizations to instill the spirit of community and service in its students, leaving a profound impact on all involved.

Janie Burnett, CEO of HPH Hospice, speaks passionately about ACA’s partnership with her organization over the past four years. “The students at ACA have contributed to HPH’s Bundles of Hope project for veterans, including essential items such as washcloths, flashlights, mittens, toiletries, and socks.” ACA’s involvement has reached approximately 1,500 veterans in need, making a lasting impact on those who served this country.

“ACA fosters a culture of service by engaging in an impressive 10-plus outreach projects each year,” explains Tobi Pawson, ACA’s grade 6-8 teaching principal. “The Bundles of Hope project — now in its second year — is not a one-off endeavor but a natural part of the monthly schedule, instilling the idea of service as a way of life.”

Students like Dominic, seventh-grader, are enthusiastic contributors to the Bundles of Hope project. Dominic, whose parents are veterans themselves, understands the importance of thanking those who risk their lives for others. He takes pride in being able to brighten the lives of veterans.

Younger students like Evelyn, second- grader, find joy in rolling washcloths and including heartfelt messages in the care packages. For them it’s a way to show appreciation and make a difference.

Mar, fourth-grader, believes these projects teach students kindness and the value of helping the community. To Mar, this is a school tradition to express gratitude to those who’ve served the country and made lives better.

In the years to come, ACA aims to strengthen its mission muscle, enabling students to take the lead in more robust projects that contribute to the community. ACA’s commitment to outreach is a testament of dedication to nurturing academic excellence and shaping compassionate hearts for a brighter future. Through unwavering dedication to service and community impact, ACA sets a shining example for schools everywhere.

Florida | January 2024

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