The students of Phoenix Academy have been volunteering at Pioneer Lodge for quite some time.
They volunteer once or twice a week in the afternoon, usually on a Wednesday or a Thursday, for two hours each time. During this time, the students play games with the residents, weed gardens, wheel the residents to where they need to be, or just hang out with the residents. Recently, the students of Phoenix Academy helped the residents by cleaning up their courtyard, and they plan on planting some flowers.
The students volunteer so they can give back to their community in a meaningful way that can hopefully inspire others. Both the teachers and the students involved are finding this work extremely fulfilling, always leaving feeling like they have accomplished something.
The residents of Pioneer Lodge thoroughly enjoy having the students around to help them and always look forward to the next time the students volunteer.
"We thought it would be good for their mental health, and their spirituality. So that they can give back to their community as Christ gave to his world. This way they can find enjoyment and peace in their lives by giving to others,” said principal Jeff Lynnes, after he was asked why they bring their students to volunteer.
The school takes 10 students to Pioneer Lodge, who are usually supervised by Nichole Cornea. Most of the students are from the Catholic Studies class, but many are other students that joined for an extracurricular. It is completely their choice if they want to go or not, since it is volunteer work. Though it is encouraged by teachers to go.
Currently, they only volunteer at Pioneer Lodge and the students always have a great time.
