A Summer of Service

Volunteerism and community engagement have long been woven into the fabric of life at the Blake campus. From Legacy Day planter box building to our Western Wings Special Olympics partnership, there’s so much to learn—and give—when we step beyond our own community.

Blake’s Service Path

To promote and support service beyond the classroom, Blake offers the Service Path Recognition program. To qualify, middle school students must complete 50 hours of community service within a 12-month period. Half of those hours must be completed with one organization of choice. Upon completion, students submit a personal reflection, sharing insights about their organization, their efforts, and the outcomes. Below are a few organizations I’ve had the privilege to work with. I hope they’ll inspire your own service journey this summer—and beyond.

Backpack Drive

Through my volunteer work with ResourceWest, a nonprofit in Minnetonka, MN, I learned a striking fact: nearly one in four students in our Hopkins School District is classified as economically disadvantaged. This summer marks my third year supporting ResourceWest’s mission to ensure that every student starts the school year with confidence and all of the supplies they need.

Last year, Blake rallied to donate over 120 filled backpacks and more than 2,500 individual school supplies—a testament to the power of our collective effort.

Inclusive Gymnastics

After years of training at Mini-Hops Gymnastics, my coach nominated me last summer for a volunteer role in their inclusive gymnastics program. This work was about more than gymnastics—it was about creating a safe, supportive environment where all children, including those with disabilities or special needs, could thrive. Some kids find large group settings overwhelming. I chose to work with Mini-Hops to help those kids feel seen, supported, and empowered while learning fun new skills. My hope is that every child, no matter their ability or skill level, can walk into a place like Mini-Hops, step outside their comfort zone, and feel proud of what they accomplish.

Embark on Your Summer of Service

As summer approaches, I encourage you to find a cause that speaks to you—something you want to connect with, contribute to, and learn from. I promise, you’ll get more out of it than just logged hours.

Remember: service hours begin counting on May 1. Still looking for ideas? Check out the current volunteer opportunities list or contact Lisa Sackreiter at [email removed]. Let this be your own Summer of Sunshine and Service.