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Service
Service Day: Almost out of service? Inclement weather caused a quandary this year as the freshmen class had community service commitments off-campus on Thursday and sophomore and junior class members were rescheduled to work with Special Olympic athletes on Friday
ABI FIELD
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STAFF WRITER
ue to the weather conditions this year, the Service Day almost had to be moved and the worry was that it would be completely cancelled. However, in the end, the service day went ahead on Thursday April 28th. Minor adjustments had to be made such as situating all the students at the warehouse instead of working outside as planned.
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House of Joy
his year 64 of the freshman class members went to “House of Joy,” an organization which sorts, packages and processes pallets of medical supplies for people in need in Congo, Africa. Gregg Luna, Dr. John deTreville, Mike Erikson, Susann Heckman, Greg Wilson and Kevin Flinn accompanied their respective advisory groups on this service outing. This year, they were given a goal which they greatly exceeded by processing 18 pallets for Congo and even had a little competitive spirit among the teams as to who could process the most. Luna’s advisory won, processing 7 pallets themselves, with one pupil, Mike Fagan (known as “Big Mike” to his friends and advisor) making over 50 boxes all by himself. Carol Ellis, President of House of Joy, emailed Ravenscroft to thank them and described the students as “hilarious and devoted.”
Freshmen students helping sort boxes. Photos provided by Carol Ellis
North Regional Library A
nn Carroll accompanied her group of freshman advisees to the North Regional Library to assist with shelving books and other assorted duties.
Ronald McDonald House R
avenscroft also sent 11 freshmen (Mr. Kelly’s advisory group) to the Ronald McDonald House. The House provides a “home-away-fromhome” for families, whose children are getting treatment for serious illnesses or injuries. Letting the parents stay close to their children brings comfort to both and the house has been invaluable to many families. On the service day, the freshman went and assisted the helpers in looking after and providing comfort for the children and their parents.
Luke Tine, ‘14, practices his leadership and problem solving abilities.
Special Olympics
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llison Craig, Lori Kovalsaske, Nicole Moore and their respective groups assisted right here on campus with the Special Olympics activities.
Students make Special Olympics “special” CHARLIE HIRSCH
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STAFF WRITER
he first Special Olympics were held in 1968 in Chicago. Through the years, Special Olympics has grown, and in the early days of spring can be seen at Ravenscroft School. This event happens here once a year and it gives special needs kids the opportunity to feel the excitement of competing in a loving environment. Athletes compete against each other and are rewarded with a ribbon as their names are announced by Ravenscroft student volunteers. The athletes are often accompanied by Ravenscroft students and the entire event relies upon the members of the sophomore and juniors classes. Students help by escorting the athletes to their events as well as cheering them on their way to success. Torin Saccoccio, ‘12, described his experience with this buddy as one that “requires constant focus and vigilance but extremely rewarding in the end.” The event gives students a great opportunity to help others and to experience what their service means so much to the kids.
Ravenscroft Middle and Lower School students cheer as the athletes march in the opening ceremony.
Above: Leslie Pratt, ‘13, pins a 1st place ribbon onto an athlete. Below: Special Olympics athletes are awarded their ribbons for competing with bravery. Athletes compete to advance to the further rounds of the Special Olympics both on foot and in wheel chairs.
With the assistance of the Raleigh Police department, an amazing young athlete lights the Olympic flame to formally begin the games. Photos by Susan Washburn