Irving students step up for service learning project

The mood was festive inside the Irving Middle School auditorium on Friday during the second-quarter awards ceremony for seventh-graders. Before the ceremony began, students, teachers and staff danced to “YMCA,” then whooped and hollered once the event began as award winners were recognized.

They had good reason to be excited. They also were celebrating their second-quarter service learning project, which benefited Friendship Home, a local emergency and transitional shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Students collected nearly 650 cleaning supply items and bathroom amenities, more than 6,400 diapers, and more than $500.

On Friday, students presented the items and a large ceremonial check to Friendship Home representatives. The students roared as the stage curtain was drawn, revealing the donated items.

“You all demonstrated tremendous generosity, enthusiasm to help those in need and a commitment to service to others,” said Irving social studies teacher Kate Larson. “All of these things you see up here are going to the Friendship Home and we are excited - way to go, seventh-graders!”

Nichole Palmer, assistant director of development, accepted the donations on behalf of Friendship Home. 

“Thank you so much for this and for all you’ve done in the community,” she said.

Palmer praised the students once more before they hauled the items to cars parked outside the school’s main entrance. She related a story about when she asked a kindergartner to define the word volunteer. The answer: Someone who steps up.

“And that’s you,” Palmer said.


Published: January 14, 2020, Updated: January 15, 2020