Page 22 - 2017 Yearbook

Service Week is one of the most edifyingpartsofthePrioryexperience. Each year, upper school students embark on a week-long mission to better serve the needs of their community by working with a wide varietyofBayAreaorganizations.Every class’sserviceweekexperienceisalittle bitdifferent.TheFreshmanclassissplit up into groups, and each day, each group assists a different service organization such as Acterra, which focusesonthepreservationofnaturein the Bay Area, or the Ecumenical HungerProgram,whichprovidesfood, clothing, and other necessities to people in the Bay Area who are experiencing economic and personal hardships.Asimilarapproachistaken for the Sophomore Class, as they are also split into groups, but each group works with the same service organization for the whole week.
These service week experiences are incredibly educational. Hannah Sheridan (10) remarked on her experiencesworkingatAbilitiesUnited saying that, “Never in my life have I met so many kind, welcoming individualswhoareunfailinglymaking the world a better place. It was super inspirational. I also had a lot of fun working there. We did lots of puzzles, which are always great.”
However, one of the most
interesting and eye-opening experiencesthataPriorystudentwill have during Service Week is the Junior Retreat. Every year, Priory’s Juniors step outside the Portola Valley bubble and journey to the TenderloininSanFranciscofortwo days.Whilethere,theyassistseveral organizationssuchasCityImpact which provides church services, food delivery, and a thrift store to homeless and underprivileged individualsaswellasGlideMemorial, which serves meals to its patrons. Manystudentsfindthisretreattobe an incredibly impactful experience. Claire Ryland (11) learned that, “it is important to dedicate our time to helpingothersinordertobeableto give the gifts that we take for granted, which allows everyone to truly appreciate them” Elizabeth Duncan (11) noted that, “we mostly stick in the groups we’re most comfortable with at school, but it was so nice and refreshing to interact with other peopleinthegradeandgettobond over all the little things. And to be able to meet some of the people from theTenderloinandheartheirstories and form bonds with them was really meaningful as well”.
1. The retreat team happily gathers together to pose for a photo after spending two days at the Retreat Center in Menlo Park. 2. Mackenzie Cornish (11) begins a drawing that reflects her time spent on the Tenderloin. Deep in thought, she focuses all her attention on the activity. 3. Joe Petersdorf (10) channels his inner Jimi Hendrix during the talent show at the sophomore retreat. 4. Emerson Swan (11), Tatsuo Kumamoto (10), Mick Jeon (11) enjoy some down time together after a day full of service. 5. Anika Khakoo (11) starts off the discussion with a story of encounter she had with a woman at the soup kitchen she volunteered at.
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“I think the Women’s March was probably one of the most empowering and special things I've ever been a part of. People of infinitely diverse races, sexualities, genders, and backgrounds came together to unite for the common good, and the result was amazing!”
- Anika Khakoo (11)
“For me, the Women’s March was an amazing experience because I got to be part of something much bigger than myself. It was nice to know that we aren't alone in wanting equal rights for all.”
- Maya Blevins (9)
“It felt good to be a part of something with so many like- minded people and march for a variety of issues important to me. It was heartwarming to see so many people for love and justice. I hope that the March keeps up the momentum for activism.
- Sophia Lipp (12)
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What was your experience like at the Women’s March?