Welch Rd BOARD SPOTLIGHT

Honor Council Social Impact Board

By Elizabeth Truelove | Staff Writer

Buzzing with a notification, a student’s cell phone displays the third GroupMe message of the day from a Social Impact Board representative from their grade.

As the season of giving approaches, the Social Impact Board strives to include more students in community service through various drives, participation in clubs and weekend opportunities with different programs.

“We like bringing our passions into it and we can get our friends involved in ways that are enjoyable for teenagers,” Board Chair Lola Isom said.

Following the recent candy and coat drives, the board plans a week-long gift drive Nov. 29 - Dec 9. Students will bring in gifts for their advisory to fulfill children’s Christmas wish lists.

“It is important for students to get involved during the holidays because lots of kids don’t get to experience our typical Christmas,” sophomore Social Impact Board representative Jordan Lacsamana said.

At the beginning of each year, the Honor Council speaks to the entire Upper School, explaining the measures Hockaday takes when a student violates the honor code.

During each hearing, the Honor Council talks to the student about what happened, how the honor code was violated and how to ensure their actions are not repeated.

“I think it’s important that the Honor Council is run by students,” Board Chair Stella Kozielec said. “Obviously it can be scary to talk to a teacher, so it’s easier to approach the Honor Council first so we can give our advice on how to talk to their teacher.”

Hosted in the spring, Honor Council’s “Honor Week” strives to teach students the honor code in creative and engaging ways. Activities include crosswords, scavenger hunts and other competitions about the honor code.

“The goal is to uphold the values of integrity at Hockaday,” Kozielec said. “It’s a way to promote unification between the teachers and students so that everyone can feel supported in their environment.”

Holly jolly voly Volunteer work focuses on holiday needs and opportunities

By Anjy Fadairo | Staff Writer

As the holidays approach, there are numerous opportunities for students and other members of the Hockaday community to get involved in volunteer work.

Senior Sophia Clavenna, an avid volunteer, said during the holidays, organizations that really depend on their volunteer partnership with Hockaday tend to be in need of more volunteers.

“Options on MobileServe need a lot of volunteers,” Clavenna said.

Laura Laywell, Assistant Director of the Institute for Social Impact, said it’s important for volunteers to volunteer, especially during this time of year with a learning mindset.

Laura Day, Executive Director of the Institute for Social Impact, said the holidays are a time when volunteers are needed the least.

“We've moved our coat drive and food drive out of the holidays because so many people already give at that time,” Day said. “We try to fill gaps that happen in January and February or in the fall.”

Sophia Clavenna said it’s important to volunteer with an appreciation for the time of year.

“Have fun when you're going in volunteering and trying to form connections with all different types of people,” Clavenna said. “It's so fun to get to know new people and the holidays are such a special time to make an impact in someone's life.”