By Katie Vasquez
Unpacking boxes of books and carrying stacks of reading materials up flights of stairs may not sound like a fun summer vacation.
But that’s how 15 eighth graders from Good Shepherd Catholic Academy spent their time on Aug. 21.
“We’re just here to distribute the books and all the school supplies around the school. And I came here to just help out,” 8th grader Aedan McGuinness told Currents News that Thursday afternoon.
“I wanted to do it because one, I wanted service hours to help me get into a good school and do confirmation. And second, I wanted to help my teachers and friends,” 8th grader Mara Baglio explained.
The students are helping the Marine Park, Brooklyn Catholic academy prepare for back-to-school with their confirmation service hours, but 8th grader Lilyanna Dash said this work goes beyond a good deed.
“I think it’s important to help out with the school, especially to help other kids have a good year,” said Dash. “It’s almost like we’re giving them an extra hand of what they need so they can be ready for the year.”
Principal Timothy Dillon said the 8th grade helping day has been an annual tradition for at least seven years, and it’s well appreciated.
“I definitely think all the teachers and myself, our lower backs, definitely appreciate it more than anything,” he told Currents News. “It’s such a tremendous help. Not just physically carrying the stuff in, but also seeing students being willing to come in and step up, and do volunteer work to help the school.”
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But the students feel they’re just giving back to the educators who have helped them over the years.
“It feels great because they do so much for us. And now we can contribute our time for them,” said 8th grader Rebecca Saint-Phard. “We can also do more things and help the student become able to learn for the school.”
Now they’re extra prepared to finish off their last year of elementary school.