MISH Hosts Day of Service for Entire School Community

Close to 100 faculty and families participated in various all-day activities with local organizations: Sharing Shelf, Feeding Westchester, The Osborn, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Grassroots Grocery.

“It was exciting to do,” said Elena Olivieri, MISH faculty advisor and associate dean of wellness and purposeful engagement. “Service learning is the fourth wall of the classroom that opens up to the world."

MISH leader Cathy He ’25 explained that “We worked with organizations we already have connections with to build mutual relationships. Importantly, these organizations work to support the United Nations’ global goals of zero hunger, no poverty, and good health and well-being.”

Vika Sokolenko ’23 hosted a clothes-sorting event at the Sharing Shelf, an organization that addresses clothing insecurity of low-income children and teenagers in Westchester County. Hanna Schiciano ’23 organized a group of volunteers to fill Hope Bags of breakfast bars, salad kits and juice for Feeding Westchester, an organization that helps to bring good, nutritious food to those in need. Alexandra Costo ’24 arranged a group to help sort, pack and deliver food to those in need with Grassroots Grocery, a New York City-based food pantry. Taylor Marlowe ’25 ran an airplane goody bag packing activity for travel-related wishes for Make-A-Wish, the foundation that provides life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. 

Middle school students Abby Spies ’28 (violin), Derin Barkan ’28 (piano), Ava Munitz ’27 (vocals) and Dara Akinwande ’27 (piano) performed an afternoon of music for residents at The Osborn, a senior citizen retirement community in Rye, New York. 

From what she experienced, He recognized how the event aligned with Masters’ mission: “celebrating active participation, deep understanding and meaningful connection” and by “collaborating with the broader community to become socially aware and self-reflective global citizens.”

By day’s end, Olivieri was “humbled by the enthusiasm and gratitude of all participants” and is already making plans for the next day of service in October.