Service Learning is a cornerstone of the Sierra Canyon experience, and this school year, the Middle School Student Council has prioritized making a meaningful difference in the community.
Middle School President Derby B. '30 ran his campaign on a promise to institute Thankful Thursdays, a new initiative to collect food for local food pantries. Together with his Vice President, Jake F. '29, they created a friendly competition between the 7th and 8th Grade classes to incentivize participation. Over three consecutive Thursdays in November, students collected more than 200 items, including canned foods, peanut butter, pasta, and boxed juices. Middle School Dean and Student Council Advisor Jenny Hernandez shared, "We were very happy and proud of the Middle School's engagement and generosity for our community."
Julian K. '26, a dedicated volunteer at the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, delivered the collected items on Black Friday on behalf of Sierra Canyon.
Lindsay Koss, Director of Grades 7-9 and the Community Service Coordinator, said about Thankful Thursdays, "It was amazing to see the collection grow, particularly in the drive's final days. Students were motivated by their classmates not only to win the competition but to address food insecurity in our local community. Collecting food as a group is a lesson in how a modest contribution can end up having a large collective impact. This is important for young people who are aware of the world around them and want to engage and improve upon it."
The student-led Thankful Thursdays initiative is a testament to Sierra Canyon's commitment to fostering a culture of giving back. Students are empowered with increasing independence and responsibility—nurturing their intellectual curiosity, creativity, and confidence to make a meaningful impact.
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