Lakehill's commitment to serving others took on new meaning on January 24 with the school's third annual Upper School Day of Service. 

While eighth graders were busy learning more about high school at the Freshman Preview, Upper School students headed out in a variety of directions to lend a helping hand to their community. Students and faculty logged more than 500 hours of service before returning to campus for a celebratory lunch with the eighth grade students.

Freshman worked with homeless children at Vogel Alcove, while sophomores participated in a a variety of projects to benefit neglected and abused children at Community Partners of Dallas. 

Juniors sorted food and prepared food bags for children at the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), packing thousands of meals for hungry North Texas families. Seniors headed to the NTFB's second warehouse to sort pallets of frozen and refrigerated food and continue their three-year involvement with the organization. "It was really a pleasure to be working with the food bank throughout high school and to be able to share that bond," explained senior Tessa Hornbach. Senior Caroline Boles agreed, "Although our task of sorting frozen meat was not glamorous, I am really glad that I was able to serve my community."

The good deeds didn't stop when the group returned to campus. Several students decided to get involved with THANKs (Teens Helping Abused and Neglected Kids), the Teen Board of Community Partners of Dallas. "I decided to apply for THANKs because it is important to get involved in the community," said sophomore Anna-Maria Springman. "I loved my experience volunteering there for the Upper School Day of Service. I was so impressed by how organized and efficient their facilities and programs are. I can't wait to get started!" 

Faculty members were inspired as well. After volunteering at Community Partners of Dallas, Bill Dunklau decided to get involved with their Storyline program that utilizes adult volunteers to read and record stories on a phone line. Storyline provides children with an easy way to hear a story from a kind voice, an opportunity that some children have never had. "During our debriefing, we discussed ways to continue our involvement," Dunklau explained. "This seemed like an area where I could really help." 

Students throughout the community can get involved with Lakehill's Service Learning program this summer with the schools Community Connections Summer Camps. The camps are available to students in grades 1-12, and offer 30 hours of volunteer service with a variety of community organizations. To find out more about Lakehill's Summer Camps, visit http://www.lakehillprep.org/summer_camps.html