Community

Week 44. Trek for Tech

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November 3, 2018

When hundreds of people take to the streets for a good cause, a great deal can happen.

Lakehill Preparatory School‘s 20th Annual Trek for Tech, the Parent Faculty Club’s signature fall event, combined all the right elements: beautiful fall weather, two great races, dedicated sponsors, enthusiastic volunteers, and a raffle with fantastic prizes. The results were a great time for all who attended, and a lot of money raised to purchase new technology.

Students, families, and faculty members put their best foot forward in the one-mile Fun Run, while a large crowd hit the pavement for the 5K chip-timed race. Organizers report that 416 people registered for this year’s races, an increase over 2017. Over 50% of the student body participated in the event, an all-time high. The Trek Committee is still counting the monies raised through sponsorship, registration, and technology purchases, but are anticipating a record-breaking year.

Events like this one couldn’t happen without dedicated volunteers. There are so many ways to get involved as sponsors, organizers, course monitors, and committee members. Amazing companies, individuals, and families supported the race through underwriting and equipment purchases, and the faculty, National Junior Honor Society, and parent volunteers helped the event run smoothly.

Most school’s host events such as fun runs, auctions, and carnivals. Why not find one near you to volunteer your time and expertise?

Week 42.Voice of Hope

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October 15, 2018

Our Community Connections students at Lakehill Preparatory School and I have been volunteering with Voice of Hope for several years. Spending a day with the children they serve is always a highlight of our Middle School Community Connections camp. Our high school students involved with the Warrior Outreach Organization have participated as well. We love working in the classrooms on arts and crafts projects, or in the gym with physical activities and games. We have also cleaned closets and organized supplies when needed.

Voice of Hope is a wonderful community partner, and always attends our Volunteer Fair at Lakehill. This year, I asked those organizations in attendance to let us know if they ever had any projects we could complete on our campus, from stuffing envelopes to assembling packets.

Voice of Hope needed a group to stuff 2,000 invitations for their Voice of Hope Night at the Winspear Opera House, to be held on December 7. In addition to raising critical funds, the Sing an Irish Christmas event, featuring Keith and Kristyn Getty, also provides the opportunity for children and families to hear the message of Christmas and experience the blessings of the season.

We gathered in the Lakehill Library to form stations, preparing invitations, response cards, and envelopes for mailing. The students really took ownership of the project, and were determined to get all 2,000 invitations ready.The energy and focus the students put into the project was amazing. They completed the task, and felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Voice of Hope has a rich history in the West Dallas community, giving children the resources and individual attention they need to grow into productive citizens and strong leaders. Founded in 1982, Voice of Hope has grown to serve over 300 children daily in their ASPIRE after-school program and Summer Day Camp. Their vision is to see inner-city families equipped with the resources and skills needed to overcome and break the poverty cycle.

Voice of Hope depends on volunteers to achieve their mission. Some volunteers work directly with children in the ASPIRE After-School Program or Summer Day Camp, while others serve behind the scenes in support roles and garnering in-kind donations. Find out how you can get involved.

Volunteering doesn’t have to mean traveling to another location. There are many things you can do to help local non-profits from your home or school. Just ask!

 

 

Week 27: Lakewood July 4 Parade

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July 4, 2018

The Fourth of July brings to mind fireworks, block parties, good food, and, of course, parades.

This year, neighbors in the Lakewood area of east Dallas celebrated America’s birthday with their annual parade, traveling to another era in “Lakewood’s Time Machine.”

This year’s parade also paid tribute to Vickie Thompson, an amazing woman, dedicated volunteer, and dear friend who passed away last July 4.

Lakewoood’s parade began more than 50 years ago with three families on Lakewood Boulevard. Since then, the event has grown exponentially and today spans many blocks with thousands of spectators and participants. Schools, scouting groups, neighborhood associations, and other community groups all take part in the festivities.

Lakehill Preparatory School has participated in the parade for the past 10 years. This year, our students and parents pulled together to create a “time machine” and build a float. More than 80 students, parents, and teachers joined us at the parade–riding bikes, walking, and riding on the float. It was a great way to come together as a school and celebrate our special community.

So many neighborhoods host parades and other events. Why not volunteer to help celebrate a special holiday or a neighborhood you love?

Here is a short video from the parade.