One of the highlights of Catholic Schools Week at Sacred Heart Academy is the sophomore Ursuline Service Project Showcase, which blends our Ursuline Core Value of Service with our academic research and communication goals in the International Baccalaureate program.
Sophomores presented their Ursuline Service Projects to Sacred Heart Schools leadership, Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, Sacred Heart Model School Level 5 students and teachers, and their SHA peers. Sophomores researched problems and possible solutions then created meaningful service activities, addressing local and global needs while fostering key research and writing skills that will serve them well in the years ahead. Topics included: Homelessness and Hunger, Safety and Security, Environment and Sustainability, Education and Literacy, Women's Empowerment, Health and Wellness, Accessibility, and Mental Health.
As students researched and developed ways to serve others in their communities, they also learned powerful lessons about leadership.
Students were asked: How did this service project impact you as a compassionate leader?
- "I have learned that service is not just about helping those around you, but also growing as a leader who is kind, gentle, and empathetic."
- "I learned how to advocate."
- "This project taught me the power of community involvement and the importance of taking initiative."
How has this experience changed your understnading of service?
- "Service is about building relationships and creating an atmosphere of trust and understanding."
- "I gained a sense of purpose through serving others."
- "I used to think of service as a task, but now I see it as connecting with others and offering support."
Another important component to the Ursuline Service Project is identifying and incorporating the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Traits. Upon reflection, students learned how to be Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective.
Students were asked: What skills did you develop through this project?
- "I developed leadership skills such as communication and open-mindedness."
- "I learned how to properly conduct research, write and speak professionally to businesses and organizations, and how to utilize resources."
- "I became a problem solver who had to pivot when I didn't receive the response I was hoping for."
- "Communication. I learned how to have meaningful discussions. I was inspired to be resilient."
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ow did this service project impact you as a compassionate le
projectpact you as a compassionate leader?