Just before Thanksgiving, over 900 students and 50 staff members participated in Hyatts Middle School’s Service Day, where they worked alongside organizations such as 2nd & 7, Make a Wish, and Canine Companions. 

Having now been in effect for four years, the idea for the service event was inspired by an act of kindness during the chemotherapy treatment of Keith Vicars, the husband of Hyatts seventh grade science teacher Jessica Vicars. Noticing that Jessica was feeling especially overwhelmed in the chemo treatment room, a nurse offered her and her husband each fleece blankets. For Jessica, this was the nurse’s way of acknowledging that “caregivers walk the journey alongside patients, and they, too, need comfort.” From that day forward, those blankets accompanied the couple throughout every chemo treatment and hospital stay, reminding them of the power of human kindness. In 2017, Keith tragically passed away, but his legacy lives on through Hyatts’s Service Day, which is all about paying it forward. 

“You never know when you will be the one that needs a little love and a little help,” says Jessica.  

Now the event’s fearless leader, Jessica organizes all of the guest speakers, brainstorms service projects for each grade level, and works tirelessly on a schedule that has many moving parts. 

Her efforts culminate in a day that is “uplifting, purposeful and filled with the genuine spirit of giving,” says Wedgewood resident and fellow Hyatts seventh grade science teacher Elizabeth Meyer. 

After listening to three different speakers from local organizations–all of whom set the tone for the day by delivering messages on compassion, resilience and the impact of small acts of kindness–students have the opportunity to partake in hands-on service projects. 

“By the time the projects are underway, the atmosphere is one of teamwork, focus, and positive energy,” says Elizabeth. 

This year, students were able to participate in a wide variety of service projects, including the following:

Gratitude for the services of Hyatts Middle School students and staff was expressed profoundly, especially by the chemo patients who received fleece blankets and by Pop-Up Pantry, who received a delivery large enough to fill to the brim four SUVs, two pickup trucks, and a car. A tangible difference was clearly made–and all over the course of one day! 

Hyatts’s Service Day is a reminder to all about the merits of not only serving one’s community, but treating people with kindness. In a world where we are each fighting our own battles, even the smallest acts of compassion can go a long way. If you are feeling inspired and want to get involved in Hyatts’s next Service Day, contact Elizabeth!