Loving experiential learning

As important as the academic rigor of classes, are the experiential opportunities St. Margaret Mary Catholic School students have in service to others. It begins at the start of the year, but is certainly most visible in the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Sixth graders made posters and promoted the annual Thanksgiving store that helped more than 400 area families put a substantial dinner on the table. Along with church parishioners and those of All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Margaret Mary students contributed fruit and vegetables.

Eighth and seventh grade students are preparing greeting cards for families of a nearby after school program. Along with the notes, the students will bring gift cards and a few Christmas carols to share. National Junior Honor Society members will shop and bring playground toys too.

Elementary students are creating glittery masterpieces for the annual Senior Advent dinner. The school chorus will entertain for the evening, while eighth graders bus tables and take time to enjoy a few dances with the guests.

This giving spirals and inspires. One fifth grade student’s love of sports has led him to organize a collection drive of gently-used cleats. The shoes will be donated to children at the Hope Community Center.

For the next few weeks, students will collect new or like-new jackets and blankets. These will be delivered to the Healthcare Center of the Homeless for people living in the woods and to the Coalition for the Homeless for those staying in shelters.

In downtown Winter Park, the school choir will spread Christmas cheer. The school choir is grateful to be once again invited to sing at the lighting of the Christmas tree on Dec. 5. That same week, students will donate new toys in another effort to spread hope to low-income families with young children.

Not all students will take part in every activity, but each will have the possibility of learning the importance and joy of serving others. It’s a lesson that will serve them through the years.