Everest Academy Alumnae, Faculty & Staff Take Service Trip to Mexico
Reaching out to aid this community was a group of eager helpers including Everest Alumnae, Gabby and Petey Diamond; faculty member, Rose Maher; and Dean of Students, Molly Maher. The hot Mexican sun was not a deterrent to the group who immediately felt the warm welcome and hospitality of the villagers. Mornings were spent building houses that consisted of chicken wire, styrofoam and concrete. Afternoons were spent running the "Kids Camp" which consisted of sports – especially soccer, teaching hygiene, and encouraging the youngsters to grow in their faith.
Petey and Gabby Diamond, children of Dr. Peter and Jeanne Diamond of Orland Park, and now students at Ignatius Prep High School in Chicago, found the trip to be amazing and so much more than they anticipated. Gabby was amazed by the sincere hospitality and warmth of those who were in such need. "There was such joy! Not only among those helping to build the homes and work with the children, but in the children and their families themselves. They had such a joy of life and such giving hearts. It was eye opening and inspiring how every day can be filled with joy, simplicity and gratefulness."
"One six year old boy had only brushed his teeth twice in his lifetime. The need for education and supplies was great, as was the desire to take care of themselves; they just don’t have the means," explained Molly Maher, Everest Academy Dean of Students. "You go on one of these trips thinking you are going to give, but end up receiving so much more. Those you come to serve teach you many life lessons with their faith, simplicity and joy. I just taught a simple skill of how to brush teeth yet received a deep happiness and fulfillment that I’ll carry with me forward," Ms. Maher continued.
"Everest Academy approaches education as more than just academic. Mission trips such as this show how faculty and staff work to develop hearts of service in themselves and the students. Even after leaving Everest, graduates carry with them the desire to help and bring joy to others," stated Ms. Rose Maher, teacher at Everest.
Everest Academy is an independent Roman Catholic school in Lemont educating children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The teachers and staff are dedicated to forming the whole child by providing the highest level of academics, by building strong character, and by preparing generous leaders ready to serve the community.
Coleen Mast, Everest Academy, http://www.EverestAdvantage.org, 6302431995, [email protected]
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