With projects ranging from collecting donations to help a nonprofit organization, cleaning up local beaches and performing music for seniors at a retirement facility, Pacific Beach Middle School’s eighth graders have been busy the last several months doing community service.
As an International Baccalaureate school, all PBMS students are required to complete community service – 10 hours for the sixth graders, 15 for the seventh graders and 20 for those in eighth grade.
The campus’ focus is to develop students who are knowledgeable, inquisitive, open-minded and respectful thinkers. Students learn to communicate, complete challenging course work, act with integrity and recognize their interdependence with others and the world in which they live.
“The community service project kicks off for eighth grade students in September,” said Ashley Hensen, the campus’ IB coordinator. “I encourage students to select a project or topic that they are passionate about or one that matches their hobbies.
“The final project format is digital and highlights the four phases of the project: research, planning, action and reflection,” she said. “We have incredible projects this year that reflect the commitment and compassion of our eighth-grade class.”
Owen Sortland and Grace Sortland created a community service project to support Unity 4 Orphans, a local philanthropic organization.
“I knew Owen and I wanted to help people,” Grace said. “Through our research we discovered Unity 4 Orphans. We were immediately drawn to the organization and their focus on helping children in Mexico. We contacted Joe Brandi, the founder of Unity 4 Orphans. He welcomed our efforts and gave us the go ahead.”
Owen said they were involved in all steps of the project.
“We made the posters advertising the need to support orphanages in Mexico, set up a GoFundMe page and organized the donation process,” Owen said. “We were looking for sports equipment, board games, clean bedding and clothing, as well as non-perishable food.”
Grace said their project was a success because “We received over 25 bags and boxes of donations and $250 from the GoFundMe page. We collected donations at school as well as (from) community members and parents delivering donations to our home. We delivered the donations to Mr. Brandi in early February.”
When asked how it felt to be near their project’s completion, the siblings said proud and grateful.
“I am grateful that I had a chance to raise money and toys for deserving kids,” Owen said.
“I feel very proud and grateful for the generosity of the community,” Grace added. “I hope and want this project to bring more attention to Mr. Brandi’s organization and goals, as well as spread awareness about the children Mr. Brandi helps.”
Caitlin Snyder, engagement director for Unity 4 Orphans, said she was very impressed with their efforts.
“We loved seeing their creativity in getting their community and peers involved in caring for orphaned and vulnerable children,” Snyder said. “Not only do their efforts reflect well on their community, but it also cultivates a selfless heart at a young age.”
Having clean beaches is important to Isabella Berg, Tabitha Beck and Pietra Tiburcio.They hosted two beach clean-up days in December, one at Mission Beach and another at De Anza Cove.
“We chose the focus of a beach clean-up because it is something the three of us are passionate about,” Isabella said. “We wanted our project to reflect something that we really cared about.”
“All three of us love the beach. A beach clean-up was a practical way to show we think clean beaches are important for everyone,” Pietra said.
The trio also made friendship bracelets they distributed at the end of the clean-ups.
“Giving out friendship bracelets was a fun way to involve more people and to thank them for their help in keeping our beaches clean,” Tabitha said.
Budding musicians Damian Toma, Ephraim Tao and Jianhao Hu decided to use their musical talents to bring joy to seniors at Ridgeview Health Center.
For their service project they researched, practiced and performed songs from the early to mid-20th century. Their playlist included “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra, “Blackbird” by the Beatles, “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley and “Piano Man” by Billy Joel.
“We chose these songs as the time of their popularity matched our audience,” Damian said. “We wanted to bring them back into their happy memories. It seemed to have worked, as many happily sang along, many smiled, some laughed, some made us laugh and one shed joyful tears. All around, joy was in the room.”
When asked about the benefits of community service projects Ephraim said, “The benefits for students who complete community service hours is that they get to spread joy to the world. They get to help others and they get to see what a kind person can do for someone else.”
Jianhao added, “Community service is good for the student’s mind and body. You get to go out and do something to help someone. Finally community service can be fun whether it is going with your friends portraying to make new friends.”
“It never hurts to help your community,” Damian said. “Not only do you benefit the community you are serving in a physical way … but you also strengthen the well-being and bond between yourself and the community. Working together to bring others happiness is vital to a thriving community.”
As a way to educate and inspire others, the eighth graders held a Gallery Walk so the sixth and seventh graders could view their projects and give feedback. On April 17 the eighth graders also presented their final project to their parents and other community members.
“Our school’s community service component empowers our students to realize they can solve real world problems and have a positive impact on their community,” Hensen said. “Spend enough time in Pacific Beach and you are bound to see PBMS projects such as plaques featuring artwork of endangered species on trash cans, beach clean-ups, small libraries, Wetlands Day, sports clinics and various events supported and staffed by middle schoolers.”
