‘What Must Be Done?’ is a question that is a hallmark of DePaul Prep. Now, many clubs and athletic teams are giving this phrase new meaning, by leading service projects that are intertwined with the school and greater community.
Specifically, Young Women’s Leadership along with Women in STEM have focused on raising awareness and money for Breast Cancer. This issue remains at the forefront because of its elusive and dangerous nature.
As a member of Young Women’s Leadership, junior Zoe Pileggi reflects that, “While it’s been thoroughly researched, lots of mystery still remains about where breast cancer comes from and it’s still common to miss signs of breast cancer.” As a result, the club has focused on donating its proceedings to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit focused on breast cancer research. Throughout the weeks of late October, they have sold pins and bracelets in the commons before and after school.
Similarly, the girls tennis team decided to tackle the same issue. Earlier in the year, Girls’ Tennis Coach and Guidance Counselor Nicole Kucera was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. For her and others alike, the tennis team organized a Breast Cancer game, and raised money and support through t-shirt sales.
For sophomore Katherine Schell, she recalls the effect this service has had on her. “I have taken away from this service that even helping a little bit makes a huge impact. It also improves your mental state because you feel good about helping out.”
Together with Young Women’s Leadership and Women in STEM, the tennis team raised $10,000. “Until we find a cure, breast cancer awareness will always be a big deal, so I hope to have the opportunity to participate in this service next year,” Schell reflects after this year’s service event.
Another sport focused on service is Caroline Gajzler’s volleyball program. For the last four years, her teams have partnered with a Share Our Spare. Share Our Spare is an organization focused on providing new mothers with child supplies up to the age of five years old. It is a local non-profit that sends their collected supplies to other groups around Chicago.
Gajzler’s service is important because it helps student athletes pause and see how they can help their surrounding community. “Oftentimes it’s easy to get lost in being in season or just playing a sport.”
As a female program leader, Gajzler is determined to showcase examples of female empowerment wherever she can and was moved by Share Our Spare’s focus on helping local mothers in need. She learned about and experienced the non-profit four years ago on a request from Head Girls Basketball Coach Sarah Zarymbski.
Each year, the program organizes a Share Our Spare game and drive where the opposing team and the program are encouraged to bring baby supplies for the organization. This year the teams played Providence. In addition, the program all participated in a service day at Share Our Spare, where girls organized baby supplies to be transported to women and children in need. Jobs include packing clothes, organizing diapers, and many more.
For Gajzler, this service is important because it fosters a strong community. “I love creating traditions in the volleyball program.”
