For five days over the summer, Calvert Hall students Charles Suter ’20, Cole Darley ’19, Jake Bauer ’20, Jake Bleacher ’20, Matthew Daniel ’20, Patrick Disney ’20, Casimir Pozecki ‘20, and John Mirarchi ’19 joined up with students from Notre Dame Prep and Maryvale to attend a Habitat for Humanity immersion trip to Virginia to help build a house for a family in Virginia Beach who could not afford to purchase one at the time. In addition to building the house they participated in a wide array of team bonding activities, held evening prayer services, had meals with the affected family, and built memories to last a lifetime.
For five days over the summer, Calvert Hall students Charles Suter ’20, Cole Darley ’19, Jake Bauer ’20, Jake Bleacher ’20, Matthew Daniel ’20, Patrick Disney ’20, Casimir Pozecki ‘20, and John Mirarchi ’19 joined up with students from Notre Dame Prep and Maryvale to attend a Habitat for Humanity immersion trip to Virginia to help build a house for a family in Virginia Beach who could not afford to purchase one at the time. In addition to building the house they participated in a wide array of team bonding activities, held evening prayer services, had meals with the affected family, and built memories to last a lifetime. Suter stated: “I feel like the trip was successful because the whole group of people there became friends, and we achieved our goal of helping the needy.” Bleacher responded with, “I believe the trip was a success because we were able to finish the roof, meet new people, and have a good time doing it.” He encourages his fellow students to participate in service trips: “This was my third Calvert Hall-sponsored immersion trip that I have been on. I believe these are a great way to help communities in need and to put your personal demands aside for a week. I’d encourage everybody with an opportunity to do a trip like this.” Suter said, “This trip was definitely the highlight of my Calvert Hall experience so far, and if I could go on this trip again, I would. I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it going into it, but I soon realized that once you’re removed from the Internet and technology, you can really connect with others.” The trip wasn’t entirely service, though; each person has their own special memory from the trip. According to Bleacher, “The best experience of the trip was the friendships created from the trip. Coming in only knowing one person, I left the trip feeling I have created a bond with everybody during the week of service.” Suter stated, “My favorite experience from the trip was going to the beach one night in Cape Charles. Everyone went to the beach not wearing swimsuits, but we all ended up getting in the water together and had an amazing time wearing our clothes and all.” The participants had a great time, made memories to last a lifetime, and their service has a lasting effect on those in need.