“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” – Maria Montessori
On May 15, the Upper Elementary community volunteered at the San Antonio Food Bank. Students, their families, and teachers worked together to help with the harvesting of onions. Fifth year student Christian Vargas explained the process, “We had to harvest the onions in the rain. We had to cut off the white roots then put it in our buckets. Then put them in a big box.” A fellow fifth year student, Loghan Mehta, explained that “picking out the onions,” was the best part of the day, regardless of having to work in the rain.
The students said they felt proud of the work they did together over the weekend. Sophia Wiley, a sixth-year student, said, “I enjoyed getting dirty and down to earth and also enjoyed the feeling of helping people.” Javi Trevino, a fourth-year student, shared a similar sentiment, saying he “felt accomplished after we were done.” Fifth year student Payton Williams said her favorite part of the experience was, “spending time with my mom and knowing I am helping others.”
Overall, the experience of the UE community helped to strengthen the students’ passion for volunteering and helped them feel a deeper connection to the community they served.