Last night’s talent show at the Winthrop Theater, a fundraiser for a school in Haiti similar in size to BCD , was an enthralling energetic evening of song, dance, poetry, comedy, stories, plate spinning, pogo-sticking, karate, math, funny faces, expert emceeing, and more! As Margaret described toward the end of the show, it was like sampling a delicious box of chocolates – you never knew what was in store as each act took the stage, and experiencing each one was a sheer delight.
The standing-room-only crowd beamed with pride and roared with laughter, showering applause on each and every one of our talented students and faculty. Every class was represented, from Beginner Threes to the Ninth Grade, who rose to their feet clapping and cheering after every act.
It was a model of service learning at its best. The students identified an issue they are concerned about and researched ways that they could respond to their desire to make a difference in the world. They developed a plan to act in collaboration with others and sustained a commitment to their cause during the year. The faculty facilitated the process and assisted with the essential work of supporting the students’ vision. Our community came together and participated in a shared experience that affirmed the values and strength of BCD, releasing the powerful potential of our small school to make a difference in the lives of others at another small school community in crisis sixteen hundred miles away.
The leadership of our Service Learning Club (Ryder, Ginger, Max T., Jackson, Blake, Harley, Victoria, Ruby, Matt, Bella, Margaret, Harrison, Sadie, and Catherine, with assistance from Abby G. and Helena), led and supported by faculty and staff members Sarah Pitcher Hoffman, Laura Piasecki, Jeff Uhas, Jon Suters, Heather Fishman, Larry Bingham, Dan Lee, Carmen Dockery Perkins, Paul Frantz, Coree Ried, Gail Heady, Andrea Patel, Kate Meyer, Marilyn Cromwell, Maria Whalen, Jenny Wright, and Jesse Howard made this event possible. All proceeds raised will support the vision of providing direct aid to the school in Haiti.
