SERVICE

“Beginning & Beyond has taught me a lot of life lessons that I will forever be grateful for, and working with families who are less fortunate makes me thankful and blessed for all that I have in my life,” she said.

Fellow senior and program student-leader, Nick Adams ‘23, agrees.

“The Beginning & Beyond outreach program is an amazing opportunity for students to dedicate a few hours of their Thursday afternoons to tutor and be critical role models for the children at the childcare center,” Adams said. “This year, I’ve been fortunate to work with the same child every week, which has allowed me to make a personal connection.

“Aside from tutoring him in math and reading, we’ve also been able to bond over shared interests, like Marvel superheroes and football.”

And while time spent with children at weekly tutoring sessions brings the student-volunteers great joy, it’s the experiences in service, leadership, and community that they’ll carry with them well beyond their high school years.

“I’ve always believed that Gibbons’ students could learn valuable lessons from volunteering at Beginning & Beyond, whether from an isolated visit or working with a certain student week to week,” Joey Taffe ’19, former program volunteer, said. “Most of the children at the center have very different childhood experiences than the average Gibbons’ student – experiences that are important in recognizing the diversity of perspective in our local community.”

Taffe’s time at Beginnings & Beyond led to some of his best high school experiences.

“I made lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons that have motivated me to continue volunteering after high school,” he said. “It’s an incredible program, and I am very grateful to have been a part of it.”

To learn more about service at Gibbons, visit cghsnc.org/outreach.

-Stephanie Policastro