Now that the school year is in full swing, annual service traditions are starting up again or for the first time.
Last week, there were no classes on Wednesday and the freshmen went to Sippican School to read to the students. This annual tradition at Tabor Academy has continued because of the ongoing positive feedback.
The 112 freshmen woke up early and gathered to walk down the street to Sippican. They then split off and went to meet and read to their buddies, who ranged from kindergartners to third graders, in different classrooms for the morning. Tabor’s close proximity to Sippican makes for a strong relationship between the two schools.
Many Tabor students tutor Sippican students throughout the year as an after-school activity and in the past, some have helped re-paint the map by the playground.
A key factor that propels that Tabor Academy Community Service Program is that many students are eager to take part in it. Seniors were given the day off on Wednesday to work on college applications. Five seniors chose to leave Tabor at 5:15 am in the morning to go with History Teacher Richard DaSilva (’89) to Mercy Meals in New Bedford.
Mercy Meals serves healthy meals to those in need in the New Bedford area. The goal of Mercy Meals is to feed all of those in need and to help them start their day off on a positive note.
Tabor students helped set up, make breakfast, serve meals, and clean up the kitchen. Now, some students are hoping to start making this a weekly or monthly activity because it has become popular and Tabor students really enjoy it.
This student initiative is not new to Tabor, however. Last year, Tabor musicians began their own group called “TOMATOES.” This group is one of all types of musicians who love to perform.
The students head over to Sippican Health Center every Sunday to play for the elderly. Kijun Song, who graduated last year, brought this group to life and now current Tabor students are continuing the program and more musicians are joining the group.
Another group of students dedicates their Sundays to the local community as well. A handful of students gather and walk to St. Gabriel’s Church on Sunday mornings to teach Sunday school. Ten students spend their Thursday nights as Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Greater New Bedford Area to spend time with kids. They play games, do crafts, and spend time getting to know each other.
Many Tabor students are excited to get off campus and work with others in the community because they have found that doing so can be quite fun. This passion for giving helps to create a warm atmosphere on and off the Tabor campus.
By Julia O’Rourke
