Today's #BGCBrightSpot is brought to us by Mary Skiba, SMHS' School Chaplain

St. Mary’s High School has completed its Youth Philanthropy Initiative project for the 2019-2020 school year. The semester 1 grade 9 religion classes, under the direction of their teachers, Ms. Hay, Ms. Simons and Mr. Bushey, researched the needs of our community and how different organizations are meeting those needs. Each group met with their charity organizers in person and learned why their particular organization would be a good choice to receive financial support. All of the groups presented their research aloud for judging. The two finalist groups chosen include: Salvation Army represented by Rohan Setty, Yousaf Ahmad and Silas Hayden (picture included), as well as the Mental Health Association of Grey Bruce represented by Kaleigh Hay, Jillian Curry, and Gracie Ballantyne (unavailable for a picture).

Second semester’s groups had to adjust to some changes due to Covid-19. Rather than meeting with their charity in person, students spoke on the phone, through email, and set up virtual meetings to gain a better understanding of their charity. In the end, the group representing the United Way, Peter Alpajaro and Malcolm Cowley (picture included), was chosen as a finalist.

Because these groups were unable to present in front of their grade 9 peers, it was decided that all three groups would receive an equal share of the $5,000 award. We are currently living in a time when giving is so important, and the idea of supporting three different organizations was the right decision.

It was such a privilege to watch the learning done by our grade 9 students this year. I pray this experience encourages them to continue to be actively involved in their community. In Scripture we learn that our faith is only alive when it is accompanied by our good works. May our students always feel blessed by this experience.