Because They Could; Class of 2021 Still Serving Others
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On Friday 1 October, three Year 12 students (Hayden Mendoza, Ben Mumme and Luca Webb) went on a Red Cross Soup Patrol. What made this night so special is that they had pre-planned to do this together in the period between their Exams and their graduation. All boys had already completed their Service-Learning requirement a long time ago. Their driver was Chris Guinness (Class 2013). I could not think of a more fitting way to honour this outgoing class of 2021 than with this highlight among many other highlights in the Service-Learning Program this year.
Volunteering for a soup patrol following our Semester Two Exams was a conscious choice that I am glad I made. A few friends and I thought that it would be good to participate in one of the most unique service opportunities at Aquinas before we graduate, as a way to alleviate some stress from studying, while also doing good for the community. Having done multiple other patrols before, I found that soup patrols provided a very unique experience, through the entertaining conversations you have with the homeless, it provided myself with an internal feeling of altruism that I was able to assist and provide for these people even in the smallest ways. Looking in the future, I will be sure to volunteer to for some Red Cross Soup patrols due to the benefits they provide to community and I.Hayden Mendoza, Class of 2021 & Sustainability Captain
rostered for October 1 because it was one of the last opportunities I could have as a student to complete a soup patrol. Before this, I had never done a soup patrol and didn't want to leave school without taking the opportunity after hearing so much about it from around my friends at school. I enjoyed the experience, and if any similar opportunities come up like this in the future, I will be willing to volunteer.Luca Webb, Class of 2021
It is also worth mentioning that during the Term 3 holidays, Aquinas students, parents, Old Boys and staff participated in seven Soup Patrols, six Breakfast Patrols, a Personal Advocacy Afternoon Tea as well as the Derby Immersion.
