The first Upper School Service Day on Thursday, October 17, 2024, will be divided into two sections: service in the morning and then FalconFest in the afternoon.
In the first half of the day, students will volunteer in different groups, including Cradles to Crayons, SEAMAAC, Feasts of Justice, Small Things, and Friends Childcare, along with a few new options.
Feasts of Justice and Small Things will sort and distribute food at pantries that focus on feeding the less fortunate. At Cradles to Crayons, students will sort donations and create care packages for children, and at Friends Childcare, students will watch over the younger children. Finally, students at Cobbs Creek will clean up the park, and at SEAMAAC, students will assist the Civic Management Team with voter registration and the “Get out the Vote” programming. Additionally, Zoë Blatt and Lynda Greenwade, Upper School Visual Arts teachers, are offering an option where students can work on a project for MANNA and the Woodmere Art Museum.
“Everything that we are learning in school should be used to turn around and give back to our community,” states Sarah Kelly, Upper School Mathematics Teacher. “We need to use the privileges and advantages that we have of being an independent school in Center City, to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.”
Bill Klose, Head of Athletics, shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the importance of connecting with other communities. “At Friends Select, students do service because the most important part of our mission statement: learning should be placed at the center of society,” says Bill. Service at Friends Select emphasizes the importance of social responsibility among students and draws us to take advantage of our education and opportunities to benefit those who are in need. Our efforts of service demonstrate our commitment to being involved in other communities, which FSS believes is instrumental.”
After morning service, the second half of school will be dedicated to FalconFest, a festival with many fun activities. FalconFest is being organized by The Family Association of Leadership and the FSS Athletics Department. FalconFest was created to reinforce our strong community values and will have activities that include everyone, even those who do not choose to participate in the physical activities. It was once an annual event, but COVID-19 interrupted the continuance of it.
“It’s about the love for everyone in this community,” says Pamela McCabe, Events Coordinator. “Everyone feels the love, and the younger kids are extremely excited to be with the Upper School students.”
