Our National Honor Society members recently completed a student-led “Do Good December” project to help community members in need through the Our House Waldorf Soup Kitchen. Teams organized a collection of hygiene and food items, made over 200 individual kits, delivered and handed out the kits, and worked in the kitchen. Students agreed that seeing grateful smiles firsthand as they received packages was very rewarding.

This project was part of the national Leader Academy program in which SMCA NHS students have participated as part of a year-long partnership with Chick-fil-A, sponsored by the La Plata restaurant. In September’s “Kick-Off” project, members packaged and delivered books with personal notes to all of the SMCA students in grades K4-2. Each month, members gather to learn new skills and plan, as part of this program that doesn’t just teach leadership skills, but provides “Impact Through Action.” Each member is part of a communications, logistics, or fundraising team.

SMCA NHS Chapter President Jada Harden said, “‘Do Good December’ was an experience that [we] are all grateful for. This project gave us the opportunity to give to our community and made members come together as a team.” While tenth grade member Andrew Shelton shared, “Participating in the ‘Do Good December’ project helped build my awareness on the needs of those in my community,” Junior Nina Allen points noted that she “also led the community by working with a team to get our project done.”

What’s next? NHS members will evaluate the past projects and continue to hone their skills as they prepare for a Spring Impact project. Servant leadership has IMPACT.

– Mrs. Thompson, Dean of Student Affairs