By Sophia Ludtke ’20, Staff Writer

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s ‘Theory of Relativity’ to serve. You don’t have to know the ‘Second Theory of Thermal Dynamics in Physics’ to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”

While Newark Academy students may learn about Plato and Aristotle in Ancient World or read about Einstein’s “Theory of Relativity” in Physics, they certainly understand that service is just as important as their academics. The Newark Academy Mission Statement explicitly states that the school’s goal is to “contribute to the world engaged individuals…with a generosity of spirit.” This passion for service is championed in particular by one specific group of students on campus – the Community Service Council.

Every year, Newark Academy students are required to complete at least ten hours of community service, six of which must be direct. The Community Service Council’s goal is to make community service not just a requirement that must be fulfilled, but an exciting opportunity for self-growth and reflection.

According to Ms. Fischer, the director of the Community Service program at NA, members of the Community Service Council “not only help plan and publicize events, but also report back to the Council about any student concerns.” Ms. Fischer explains that the Grade Coordinators play an integral role in the Community Service program. They are “on the front lines to make sure that students meet the requirements and approve all 13,000 hours the NA community logs annually.”

According to 9th grader Sophia Chen, “everyone [on Community Service Council] brings their own passions to the table.” The diverse range of causes NA students feel passionate about is reflected in the world issue that the Community Service Council chooses to spotlight each month. From homelessness, to natural disasters, to disabilities, the Council raises awareness about the many issues that deserve our attention.

The Community Service Council also encourages students to get involved. From trips to a Soup Kitchen, to the Solidarity Sleepout for Homelessness, or the holiday party for the Apostle’s House that takes place at NA, the council works hard to provide students with ample opportunity to get involved.

“The Community Service program at NA, which has grown so substantially in the past five years, would not be possible without the community service council!” Ms. Fischer says.

The Community Service Council’s commitment to service is an inspiration to the community as a whole, encouraging us all to get involved and live up to Martin Luther King Jr.’s words.

Upcoming Community Service Events at NA:

1. Solidarity Sleepout: On February 16, Newark Academy students will partner with Kushner Academy to sleep outside for the night to raise money for the Covenant House which works to help homeless teens get back on their feet. Donate at: http://covhou.convio.net/site/TR/SO_Youth/SleepOutStudentEdition-1617?team_id=9047&pg=team&fr_id=1811)
2. PACS Tutoring: For the spring season, sign up to tutor students at Phillip’s Academy Charter School in Newark.
3. Clubs at School: Several clubs at Newark Academy such as Green Committee, Animal Welfare Club, Human Rights Club, and Cancer Awareness club are working to raise awareness for several humanitarian projects.