Class of 2023 gives back

A group of students from the incoming Class of 2023 arrived in Norton last week for the annual President’s Day of Service.

The students arrived on Tuesday, July 16, and enjoyed dinner that evening with student leaders, along with some pre-service discussion and games.

“We asked students to articulate their top five values and how they connected to their motivations to volunteer, as well as how they might inform their future career decisions,” said Cassie Peltola ’14, assistant director for community service and civic engagement, in Wheaton’s Center for Social Justice and Community Impact.

On Wednesday, the students divided into groups, traveling to two service sites:

Addressing Land Conservation in Norton: The Norton Land Conservation Committee is in the process of purchasing the Edith Read Conservation Land from the Girl Scouts. The 46-acre area will provide a wide array of opportunities for recreation for local residents, as well as preserve environmental biodiversity. The space serves as an opportunity to build community, promote health and wellness and support environmental sustainability. Students assisted by raking and trimming shrubs in areas around the land’s lodge.

Addressing Food Security In Providence: The Greater Rhode Island Food Bank strives to ensure that no one in Rhode Island goes hungry. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to people in need through a statewide network of 155 member agencies, serving more than 57,000 people each month. These agencies include food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs and senior centers. Students had the opportunity to support the Greater Rhode Island Food Bank by sorting and packaging food for distribution while learning about the causes of hunger in Rhode Island and beyond.

The day concluded with a post-service reflection over lunch with President Dennis Hanno, at his home.