Students HOPE Now in its 26th Year!
An amazing annual tradition continues this Saturday, December 7, as the 26th Students HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) event will occur on the Colorado Academy campus. Every year the school hosts nearly 2000 Denver-area residents, providing them with donated clothing, toiletries, toys, school supplies, a holiday lunch, flu shots, and eye exams. There are many games and activities for the kids, as well as a bilingual Santa Claus who takes gift requests and poses for many pictures that day.
HOPE co-leaders Caroline Briggs, Brandon Cohen, and Andersen Dodge, along with faculty advisors Lisa Dean and Dave Frankel, have put in hours of hard work already to ensure that the event will be a success. About 30-40 other students have devoted a great deal of time as well, playing major roles in organizing, fund raising, gathering goods and clothing, buying toys and obtaining games.
For the past several years we have also used the Friday before HOPE as an opportunity for HOPE leaders and volunteers to get organized and set up. In between regular classes or when they have a free block, many students come over to the gym to pitch in and help out. Some teachers even bring their classes over. Meanwhile, many families have contributed clothing or monetary donations to support the effort. In short, virtually everyone in CA's Upper School plays a role. That makes HOPE the unique event it is.
Completely student-run, HOPE allows CA students to gain valuable leadership experience as well as the satisfaction and sense of purpose that comes from helping others. I have noticed that one of the most important learning components emanates from the level of organization and collaboration that is required. This is a huge undertaking and the management of the event stretches even the most efficient and mature student. Andersen Dodge notes that "being the president of this incredible organization has allowed me to gain unparalleled experience of running an organization while simultaneously involving me in the best activity in the world: community service." Brandon Cohen echoes her, adding that he has “learned how vitally important it is to be organized and understand what needs to get done.”
All 6 Cs are on display leading up to and during the event: students must use Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Cultural Competence, and through it all their Character Development is essential to their success. Congratulations to the many people involved, and best holiday wishes to all the families who come to our campus!
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