Stars in Action

This school year, the Service Stars community made a big impact. Stars, thank you for sharing your stories. What will you do next?

Ella Lin, 16, California

From Ella Lin’s mom: Ella Lin has involved more than 100 kids in recycling more than 29,000 cans and bottles. They’ve raised more than $2,000 for conservation groups. Ella Lin has also presented to kids at summer camps about the power of recycling.

Amara, 13, Pennsylvania

I wanted a crosswalk on my street. I wrote to my town’s leaders. They had meetings about the issue. I got my brothers and peers to come. It took a while, but a crosswalk was added. Now my road is safer to cross. I completed one service project, and I hope to serve my community more.

Olivia, 6, Georgia

Stocking Little Free Libraries and food banks. Collecting disaster-relief items. Delivering supplies. I’ve logged 200 hours of community service, and I’m not slowing down anytime soon!

Nora, 11, New Jersey

From Nora’s mom: Nora researched the harms that idling cars cause the environment and our health. She shared her findings, leading to a no-idling policy at school. Families are encouraged to turn off their cars in the pickup and drop-off lines. Reducing air pollution will have a positive impact on our school community and the planet.

Preslee, 13, Texas

From Preslee’s mom: Preslee hosted her own food drive. She collected goods and monetary donations for our local food pantry, then delivered the items. Preslee has a heart of gold. She is always thinking of how she can help others in our community.

Hudson, 9, New York

From Hudson’s mom: Hudson collects handmade items from people and sells them at community events and the farmers market. They’ve raised more than $8,000! Every cent is donated to village charities. Other kids also donate items and help Hudson sell at the table.

Lucas, 8, Arkansas

My friends and I participated in an event to help those who are hungry in our community. We worked hard and had a lot of fun. We made more than 4,000 meals! It made me happy to know we helped people. Even kids can make a difference when we work together.

Lorinne, 10, Texas

’From Lorinne’s mom: Lorinne participates in initiatives to support families involved in the foster care system. She demonstrates leadership and is a true Service Star.

Teachers’ Log

Ms. Powers, Connecticut: Our class read the article about Lena Ford and felt very inspired. We donated 25 coats to a senior center. And we wrote letters to teachers. This showed that “students can use letters and words as a tool,” says Ms. Toni, our school principal.

Ms. Calandra, New York: Students learned about animal shelters and community service. They read stories and took a virtual tour of an animal shelter. To show their appreciation, they made cards to thank [shelter] volunteers as well as cards to be given with toys when someone adopts a pet.

Ms. Yokoyama, California: For Lunar New Year, my students and I launched a project focused on cultural appreciation and community engagement. We hosted a Lunar New Year fair at school. It promoted inclusivity and cultural awareness. Parents and students came to participate.

Ms. Bishop, Georgia: My students put their art skills to work, glazing ceramic bowls to use as part of a fundraiser. They learned about empathy and being a good neighbor through civic responsibility. I’m thankful students had this opportunity to learn, create, give, and grow.

Ms. Lee, Hawaii: My students decorated canvas bags that were handed out to our community. The bags are reusable and washable. They reduce the waste from plastic bags. Thank you for giving my students a chance to make their community kinder and more environmentally sustainable.

Ms. Dickey, Texas: Through baking brownies, we provided a homemade treat for those in need at local soup kitchens. We turned the simple act of baking into an experience that strengthened our community and made the world a little brighter, one brownie at a time.

Ms. Clark, North Carolina: Inspired by a TFK article on the California wildfires, we put on a bake sale. We sold cookies, brownies, and more. We made more than $300, which we donated to the California Fire Foundation. The kids spearheaded this project from idea to execution: true Service Stars!

Ms. Pease, California: Our student-led Gaming Wellness Club has made an impact. The students created a judgment-free space where peers can decompress and support one another. They build community, spread kindness, and remind everyone that mental wellness matters.

Ms. Dougherty, Georgia: We more fully stocked our campus clothing closet. Now students feel like they are shopping for great finds and look forward to visiting. Initially intended for certain students, the closet is now a welcoming and fun place for all students.

Ms. Brown-Aliffi, New York: Our high school dance team launched a mental health project. It’s aimed at fostering leadership and creativity among middle school students. The team hosts engaging workshops for all students interested in dance, leadership, and self-care.