Best Ever Community Service Day
by Betty White
Alumni participation, new sites in Edgehill, continued partnership with sites across the city, the best discussion sessions, riding the LoveBus, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream--Community Service Day 2014 rose to the top as the best ever.
Alumni participation, new sites in Edgehill, continued partnership with sites across the city, the best discussion sessions, riding the LoveBus, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream--Community Service Day 2014 rose to the top as the best ever.
Building on the organization and planning of the 18th previous leaders’ experience and planning, and giving special attention to changes instituted by senior chair Lucy Fox ‘14 last year, this year became even more meaningful, more inspirational, and more fun. Margie Quinn ‘09, special alumna keynote speaker, weighed in from Seattle, “I am still on Cloud 9 from my day spent at USN. It is still the magical, warm, inclusive, amazing place I remember it to be. It was rewarding to speak.”
As Ashtan Towles ’15 opened Community Service Day 2014, she challenged her peers: “The purpose of Community Service Day is to plant seeds. Seeds in the community, but also seeds in yourselves. After this day is over, I encourage you to try and serve your community in whatever way you can.”
On Monday, November 3, high schoolers set out to do just that, serving their community at 36 different sites across our city. Planned and orchestrated by our students, led by Towles, senior co-chair, and her two junior co-chairs, Emily Baker and Sydney Robbins, CSD 2014 high schoolers continued the tradition of serving our community.
On Monday, November 3, high schoolers set out to do just that, serving their community at 36 different sites across our city. Planned and orchestrated by our students, led by Towles, senior co-chair, and her two junior co-chairs, Emily Baker and Sydney Robbins, CSD 2014 high schoolers continued the tradition of serving our community.
Quinn spoke passionately about her position as the Operations Manager at Facing Homelessness, a non-profit organization based in Seattle that is creating a new awareness of the issue of homelessness through the sharing of photographs, stories, and art. Quinn asked the students to consider their areas of interest and their talents in serving others.
The logo of Facing Homelessness, “Just Say Hello,” served as the theme for CSD 2014. Quinn brought “Just Say Hello” bumper stickers for everyone to use, encouraging the students to learn to open up and get to know others unlike themselves. A photography exhibit from Facing Homelessness in Seattle is on display on the second floor of the Tibbott Center.
The logo of Facing Homelessness, “Just Say Hello,” served as the theme for CSD 2014. Quinn brought “Just Say Hello” bumper stickers for everyone to use, encouraging the students to learn to open up and get to know others unlike themselves. A photography exhibit from Facing Homelessness in Seattle is on display on the second floor of the Tibbott Center.
As part of the Centennial year, alumni were encouraged to participate, and we were delighted that many shared their experiences with our students. Elizabeth Atack '97 led one of the afternoon discussion groups, Sneha Channabasappa Oakley '94 came to serve ice cream donated by Joe Bullock of Ben & Jerry’s, and Sarah Sperling '92 and Larry Dorris '71 participated at sites with students.
The Centennial Initiative Committee, also formed and run by high school students, has taken on the challenge of building and strengthening relationships with our Edgehill neighbors just down the street. The Jazz Band entertained the seniors at Gernert Studio Apartments, Environmental Club worked with our neighbors at the Edgehill Community Garden, some of our weekly mentors volunteered at Carter Lawrence Elementary, library interns worked at the Edgehill Library, and students volunteered at Salama Urban Ministry—all sites in neighboring Edgehill.
Several sports teams chose to work together: Cross Country team at Warner Park where they frequently run, the girls’ basketball team at Ronald McDonald House, the swim team at the Greenways.
Students also continued to foster other ongoing partnerships by volunteering at partner schools Carter Lawrence and Fall Hamilton, where over sixty students mentor elementary students each week. In addition, we continued to have KIPP students with us this year as they volunteered with USN students.
The soccer team also enjoyed working at Cameron College Prep, giving a soccer clinic to the 7th and 8th graders. “Rami is really good!” declared Jeremy Seloff, speaking of a student with whom he had worked during his time in the Writing and Service class as a freshman. “I wish he’d come to USN.”
TESLA, a newly formed club, tried its hand at teaching English to newly arrived non-native speakers at CCP. Ms. Annie Baldwin, Director of the Newcomers Academy at Cameron College Prep (CCP) sent these words by the end of the day: “I was SO impressed with each of your stations and so grateful for the time and effort you put forth to make today so special. Each station was appropriate and interesting, and I know that the kids loved it. We're really grateful for your partnership and commitment to the immigrants in our community. Thank you so much!“
Several sports teams chose to work together: Cross Country team at Warner Park where they frequently run, the girls’ basketball team at Ronald McDonald House, the swim team at the Greenways.
Students also continued to foster other ongoing partnerships by volunteering at partner schools Carter Lawrence and Fall Hamilton, where over sixty students mentor elementary students each week. In addition, we continued to have KIPP students with us this year as they volunteered with USN students.
The soccer team also enjoyed working at Cameron College Prep, giving a soccer clinic to the 7th and 8th graders. “Rami is really good!” declared Jeremy Seloff, speaking of a student with whom he had worked during his time in the Writing and Service class as a freshman. “I wish he’d come to USN.”
TESLA, a newly formed club, tried its hand at teaching English to newly arrived non-native speakers at CCP. Ms. Annie Baldwin, Director of the Newcomers Academy at Cameron College Prep (CCP) sent these words by the end of the day: “I was SO impressed with each of your stations and so grateful for the time and effort you put forth to make today so special. Each station was appropriate and interesting, and I know that the kids loved it. We're really grateful for your partnership and commitment to the immigrants in our community. Thank you so much!“
An additional surprise this year showed up accidentally when one of the buses had difficulty, only to quickly be replaced by a party bus. “We thought you were kidding!” J. C. Swope commented when he saw the bus. Students had fun riding back to school on the fun bus, thanks to Glenn of the bigLOVEbus.
Once again, due to the diligence of the CSD Leadership Team, site leaders, transportation department and faculty, the day was an overwhelming success. Everyone finished the day satisfied and tired, as they enjoyed delicious Ben & Jerry’s ice cream on the patio. Once again, a job well-done.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.