Philanthropy is defined as a desire to help mankind. Philanthropy is more than making a monetary donation. It entails a contribution of time, effort and energy. Our school community is fortunate to have a philanthropic base. Our goal is to produce community-minded citizens, and the school is flourishing as a high school dedicated to students engaged in community service. Students volunteer at a variety of local agencies. Students give their time, their spirit, their leadership and their resources. Students volunteer through school events, clubs, course work and other initiatives. From volunteering Saturday mornings with the Lord's Pantry, to tutoring homeless students through Schools on Wheels, to volunteering at a variety of Special Olympic's events and running a number of toy/food/clothes drives for local nonprofit agencies, they keep very busy. University High School students demonstrate that they care deeply about reaching out to the local community.
In 2005, the students of University High School established a student-led foundation. The students defined the mission of the foundation, determined the process for awarding grants, decided how to raise funds and established the organizational structure.
Service opportunities involve real experiences to work and help other people. It is a wonderful chance to build self-esteem and character. Working at a food pantry or visiting with the children from Schools on Wheels can trigger some good family discussions about hardships people might experience and what you can do as an individual to help. The many different times and places to volunteer give students a sense that helping others is valued and meaningful.
POLAR PLUNGE
The Polar Plunge is one of the biggest Special Olympics fundraisers! Teams or individuals plunge into ice-cold water to raise money for Special Olympics. It is a heartwarming, fun, and completely safe way to raise money for a very worthy cause! Now the first thing you are probably thinking is 'yea right, that water is going to be freezing'. You are right, however you will only be in the water for a short period of time and it is a great story to tell! University High School students have participated for 7 straight years and we are striving to be the largest high school group there this year. So be crazy and do the Polar Plunge to help out the community! We welcome students, parents and friends to join the Frozen Blazers. Registration instructions can be found using this link . Our plunge takes place Saturday 2/26 at Eagle Creek Reservoir. Be there or be square.
AGAPE CENTER
We just received a request for volunteers from the Agape Therapeutic Riding Resource Center. Agapé is a unique, nonprofit therapeutic riding resource providing a variety of comprehensive, experiential equestrian programs for those with special needs. There are a variety of opportunities available. This is an opportunity to work directly with those with special needs. We have had students volunteer there in the past and they have enjoyed it.
They have scheduled a volunteer training for their 2011 Winter Session. They would love to have our students begin their volunteer experiences with them this winter. The next volunteer training is scheduled for Monday, December 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The winter session will begin on Monday, January 3, 2011 and will continue for 13 weeks through Friday, April 15, 2011.
To register for the training or if you have questions or need additional information, please call (317) 773-7433, ex. 18 or you can e-mail at msgoeller@comcast.net. You can also view the website at www.agaperiding.org for additional information about the center.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOWLING TOURNAMENT
University High School once again was one of the largest groups of volunteers at this years bowling tournament. The students had a great time helping the athletes and are already looking forward to next years event.
The Julian Center is a nonprofit agency providing counseling, safe shelter, and education for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other life crises. Through outreach and consultation, the center seeks to educate the community about the issue of domestic violence and its impact on all our lives.
The weeks of October 18th and October 25th we collected children's and women's clothes for those survivors who are being aided at the Julian Center. This was a great success.
University students went to the Julian Center on October 30th, and played with children at the center, delivered the clothes and had a lot of fun. We are going back to the Julian Center in January with some 'after-Christmas' Christmas gifts. The date and time are to be determined.
If you would like to volunteer that Saturday afternoon please email Noel Terry (nterry@universityhighschool.org) and Chris Morrison (cmorrison@universityhighschool.org).
Lords Pantry
The Lord's Pantry is an organization started by Lucious Newsom to help feed the poor in Indianapolis. Every Saturday morning a group of students meet at University at 8:00 and drive down to Anna's House and help distribute food to those in need. Please contact Niki Gates at ngates@universityhighschool.org if you plan to attend. More information about The Lord's Pantry can be found at http://lordspantry.org.
School on Wheels is Indianapolis' answer to increasing educational opportunities for school-aged homeless children in order to create economic opportunities necessary to break the cycle of homelessness.
School on Wheels provides one-on-one tutoring for homeless kids who live in shelters, motels, group foster homes and on the streets. In addition to weekly tutoring and mentoring, every student receives a backpack, school supplies and uniforms; students get assistance enrolling in school and with locating and filing school records; and each student receives a toll-free phone number for around-the-clock School on Wheels support.
You can help by volunteering to be a tutor. Periodic training sessions are held at University. Please keep an eye out for the next one.
You can find more information at http://www.indyschoolonwheels.org.
This activity happened and was a great success. The ride was great, the Battle of the Bands rocked the house and the MS Society could not have been happier with the help they received from the University community. Thanks for making this a success and put it on your calendar for next year.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society need our help with the Indianapolis Marathon. We had volunteers at the event which was a big success.
