On Friday, April 25th, OLHMS students stepped beyond the classroom to take part in Service Learning Day- a school-wide event dedicated to giving back to the community through hands-on, meaningful volunteer projects. With hundreds of students participating and countless service hours completed, the day showcased the power of coming together across all grade levels.
Service Learning is a unique educational approach that blends academic learning with civic responsibility, empowering students to engage directly with real-world issues. This year’s event truly reflected that mission, offering opportunities for students to serve, reflect, and grow as active community members.
This incredible day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of several community partners. We are especially grateful to St. Rita, St. Laurence, Brother Rice, Richards High School, and students from CHSD 218’s Adult Transition Program, High 5 Apparel. These groups helped lead activities and even designed the Service Learning Day shirts proudly worn by OLHMS staff.
Our 6th grade students applied their classroom lessons on philanthropy by participating in a variety of hands-on service projects. Each advisory group focused on a unique initiative, such as crafting piñatas for Cosley Zoo’s enrichment program, assembling “Cans of Hope” filled with messages for children at the Ronald McDonald House, and designing bookmarks for the OLHMS library. Others made paper flowers for Warren Barr residents, created snuffle mats for shelter animals, and decorated the school hallways with artwork promoting kindness and compassion.
The 7th grade class took part in service activities both on and off campus, with many visiting local D123 elementary schools to read to younger students, lead games, and build connections through group activities. Others worked to improve the environment through cleanups, chalk art projects, and rock painting. Select advisories visited the Pollination Garden to weed, clean, and beautify the space, while encore classes collected gym shoes for donation, made blankets for the Ronald McDonald House, and created cards to thank community heroes like firefighters, EMTs, and custodial staff.
Our 8th graders ventured off campus to serve at various sites across the Chicagoland area, including Cradles to Crayons, local high schools, the Oak Lawn Library, and community gardens and food pantries. At Cradles to Crayons, students sorted and packed essential items for children in need. Other projects included crafting fleece blankets for hospital patients, designing prom safety cards, chalking uplifting sidewalk messages, and preparing food donations collected in advance for distribution through the Pilgrim Faith & Evergreen Park Food Pantry.
After completing their service projects, all students returned to reflect on their experiences through writing, discussion, and creative activities. They considered the meaning of service, the impact of their efforts, and how they can continue giving back to their communities. We are proud of their contributions and look forward to seeing how they build on this foundation of empathy, leadership, and civic responsibility.