Each year students at Evans High School participate in Trojan Service Week. This year, the theme was Random Acts of Kindness. Students intentionally committed random acts of kindness throughout the week, April 26-30. They participated in a variety of activities, such as writing thank you notes to their favorite teacher, reading books and giving care packages to feeder schools.
An example of a random act of kindness occurred after school April 28 at Robinswood Middle School. Members of the Future Leaders United club made 50 hygiene kits they safely distributed to students leaving campus. The gallon-sized bags were filled with soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as chip or cookie snack bags.
“It feels really wholesome and connected to the community to do these packages. We donated the items, we made the bags and we are giving them out, so we are a part of the whole process. We heard lots of words of appreciation, too,” senior Nerstafara Emilzo, Evans HS Future Leaders United club president, said.
Using bright green stickers, teachers recognized students for the kind acts they performed throughout the week, spreading the awareness that #TrojansDoGood. The week helped students give back to their community and encouraged a culture of service.
Evans High School, a Community Partnership School, focuses on immediate and long-term needs and goals of its students, their families and the Pine Hills community. The partnership amongst Children’s Home Society of Florida, the University of Central Florida, Orange Blossom Family Health and OCPS integrates health and wellness programs, positive social activities, and leadership opportunities into the education and lives of students and families, empowering them to pursue success.
Community engagement is a key focus of the Community Partnership Schools™ model.
“We’re excited to come together and show our Trojan pride, determination and perseverance through dedicated service to our community,” said Alexandria Turnley, Children’s Home Society of Florida Community Partnership Schools Director at Evans. “Even though the pandemic keeps us distanced, our collective impact will create a ripple effect of helpers felt throughout the city.”