The MVA Community Celebrates the Success of Its First MLK Day of Service Volunteering Event

On Monday, January 19, the Montverde Academy community came together for Montverde Academy’s first-ever MLK Day of Service, sponsored by the Black Student Union (BSU) under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Price, Assistant Dean of Students for Multiculturalism, Leadership, and Student Programs.

MVA students from all three divisions, families, and staff honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by serving others with purpose and heart. From filling eggs for the Town of Montverde to making sandwiches and snack bags for Matthew’s Hope, crafting for AdventHealth’s NICU, creating Valentine cards for Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, and decorating cookie wrappers for the MVA Cookie Project, every station reflected the power of compassion in action.

Among those volunteers were members of the Upper School Key Club, who made the signs on the tables, and several members of the Lower School K-Kids Club, who came out with their parents. Fourth grader Daniel Harris, a member of the K-Kids Club, volunteered with his two sisters—sixth grader Maggie Harris and first grader Charlotte Harris—and their parents, Ezra and Kelly Harris. “Luckily [Maggie] was the one who had seen the email about coming out, and she was right on top of it,” recalled Mrs. Harris. “And she said, ‘I want to be there.’ K-Kids that [Daniel is] involved in sent out a reminder, so we thought we would come as a family.”

Volunteers also had the pleasure of enjoying a variety of student performances. Ayo Ogunniyi and Carine Hayes delivered speeches; Thalia Paris and Cionni Dawkins sang songs; Miles Outerbridge, Sam Johnson, Kendall Payne, Bridget Robbins, and Carine Hayes read poems; and Dexx Clarke read an original poem.

BSU President Dexx Clarke and Vice President Carine Hayes spoke with several volunteers who shared their experience while encouraging others to give back to their community.

Third grader Lena Monk, along with her parents, Leander and Lakeisha Monk, volunteered at the egg stuffing station, filling eggs with candy for the Town of Montverde. “It was exceptionally great,” said Mr. Monk. “We love coming together as a community. We appreciate the school inviting us here to be a part of the volunteering for the MLK Day of Service. It’s an opportunity for us to give back, and we really appreciate what all the students have done here.”

“We also like that we get to show [our daughter] how to give back and to help others,” said Mrs. Monk.

Fourth grader Maddie Stalma and Kindergartener Peyton Stalma also volunteered at the egg stuffing station with their father, Mr. Jonathan Stalma, Upper School English teacher. “It’s been phenomenal,” said Mr. Stalma. “Very easy to come in and kind of know where we were going and what we were doing to help out the community. I think the girls probably did a few hundred [eggs] each, so it was really easy and very enjoyable.”

Senior Miles Outerbridge and juniors Kendall Payne and Sam Johnson volunteered to make sandwiches and snack bags for Matthew’s Hope. “We wanted to show support for the school,” said Miles. “Volunteering for me is about putting others before yourself and showing appreciation for the community. The sandwich station was really nice because we were helping others who might not be able to eat and providing them with food.”

“We wanted to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and give back to the community,” said Kendall. “It was kind of nice helping out those who might be less fortunate.”

“You don’t really know what their situation is or what they’re going through,” said Sam. “Giving back to them is what it’s all about. Just keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive by working together and helping each other out.”

Juniors Kayra Tati and Mariana Bustamante Garcia volunteered to create Valentine cards for Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital. “Giving back to your community is so important,” said Mariana.

Kayra shared some advice for those who missed out on the opportunity to volunteer. “Continue to serve the community,” she said. “It’s always a good idea to serve others.”

Junior Akylah Shirley volunteered to put together felt hearts for the AdventHealth NICU and expressed her satisfaction with the event. “I think this event was very lively,” said Akylah. “I love how everyone came together, volunteered, and helped out with the felt hearts.”

Cristina Rojas, the Volunteer Services Program Manager for AdventHealth Minneola, commented on how much the felt hearts mean to the patients at AdventHealth. “These felt hearts bring so much comfort and love to patients that are experiencing a little bit of a scary moment in their lives,” said Ms. Rojas. “The volunteers sit with them and hear their stories, and [the patients] truly appreciate the love that comes from them. They love their nurses and their doctors, but when they get these little hearts from volunteers, it just kind of feels like home.”

Ms. Rojas was impressed by the event as a whole. “It’s been my favorite MLK Day of Service,” she continued. “I’ve participated in a few, and this one has just been so energetic, so full of love and care. I’m impressed. Thank you, guys, for what you did for AdventHealth. I know there are a lot of organizations represented, but on behalf of AdventHealth Minneola, thank you so much.”

We are proud of our Eagles for turning service into impact and living out the spirit of life’s most persistent and urgent question: “What are you doing for others?” Thank you to everyone who made this day meaningful.