By: Emily Holland
In an attempt to serve and give back to the community, OBA Headmaster, Andrew Wilkins, made the decision to install a new monthly rhythm in the lives of OBA students and faculty this year. On the first Friday of every month, OBA students split into individual classes and serve the community in various ways for the remainder of the afternoon. Students have served this year by reading books to children, picking up trash on the side of the road, playing bingo with the residents of The Commons, and so much more. The junior class has served at 4 R Kids the past two months, cleaning up the putt-putt area, prepping games for their annual carnival, organizing donations, helping and engaging in the paper-shredding barn, and completing other various tasks as needed. Brendon Tubbs said he, “enjoyed talking with the employees of 4 R Kids and getting to know them. It was great to see the behind-the-scenes of the familiar Putt-Putt course.”
Senior Kate Janzen says of the service learning days, “It has been so fulfilling seeing the joy we brought to the people of The Commons, I met a sweet lady and we had a great time talking about her life story and hobbies, and we still keep in contact to this day. I can’t wait to go back again next month and see her and the others again.” These service learning outings are twofold in design: to bless the community that has blessed us so much, and to instill a love of service in OBA students. Senior and Student Body President, Holden Caldwell, recounts, “It really made an impact on me to talk with people who had much more life experience than I have as they taught me invaluable life advice. The experience showed me a possible way to give back to my community in the future.”
As a Christian school, our expected outcomes are different than a government school. We desire for our graduates to be faithful servant leaders to local churches and the community. OBA is committed to educating the heart that looks to serve others because of Christ’s love for us. Our prayer is that our students choose a vocation to serve others well from within the strengths and passions God has given them and not just the level of compensation. Our hope is that these service projects help these outcomes develop in our students.
