Latin School of Chicago

first person Eve Bonneau Middle School Math Teacher Lighting the spark for service A nne Frank once said: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." It is from this quote that I draw my philosophy on service and my role as educator. I believe we as teachers can light the spark in our students to care about the world by presenting them with opportunities to serve. But it is up to them to kindle the flame. I have been very fortunate during my time at Latin to witness many of my students taking the opportunities that we offer and going beyond any requirement or expectation to change people's lives. One example has been Latin's everexpanding relationship with Misericordia Heart of Mercy, and our students' commitment and compassion for the people with developmental disabilities served by this organization. I started volunteering with Misericordia's team sports program in 2001. A few years later, when some of my tenthgrade advisees were looking for a way to fulfill their service learning requirement, I invited them to join me. For a number of them, this turned into a service effort they remained with through their senior year – long after they had logged the necessary service hours. One afternoon in particular from that first year stands out. We were unable to use a gym or go outside. Instead, we had a dance party in the social center on Misericordia's campus. Watching Scott Gidwitz '05, Andreas Kramer '05 and Emidio Oceguera '05 dance with the residents was priceless. Here were three "very cool" sophomores holding hands with and jumping around with residents from Misericordia without a care in the world. From that experience the annual Baseball Dance was born. Now in its seventh year, this dance is one of the most heart warming events of the year. Students put forth Over the years, Latin's relationship with Misericordia has branched out in many directions. Residents from Misericordia are invited each year to our performing arts productions and spend time with cast and crew after the performances. Our upper schoolers have worked with the organization during Project Week. And, the Misericordia Heartbreakers have performed their annual musical variety show at Latin a number of times. With each interaction, I have seen our students' commitment, motivation and understanding grow. Over time, students have taken the initiative to become involved out of a genuine desire to help and support the people there. When Frankie Burik '13 and Alix Degraff '13 were sixth graders, they saw the Misericordia Heartbreakers perform at a middle school assembly. They were so moved that they asked if they could accompany me to Misericordia on Thursdays. These two girls continued to come to Misericordia throughout their middle school years. They developed true and lasting relationships with many of the residents, and their presence has made a difference. Misericordia is just one instance of Latin students taking advantage of an outreach opportunity and running with it. Another example is a group of current seventh graders, who made a commitment to raise money for autism research. These students held a fundraiser at which they sold freeze pops which raised $360 for Autism Speaks. Since that time, they have participated in the Autism Speaks walkathon and have organized a volleyball fundraiser for their cause. Each experience has inspired them to take further action, and they are full of plans for the future. As an educator, it is inspiring to see the capacity young people have for helping others. It is my goal to keep providing opportunities and supporting my students as they take those small sparks and light their own fires. • "Here were three 'very cool' sophomores holding hands with and jumping around with residents from Misericordia without a care in the world." their very best selves. In turn, the residents have a very unique way of making anyone and everyone feel welcome and valued. They have given us lessons on how we should treat others every day of our lives, and in their way have given back as much as they receive. Latin School of Chicago 11

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