GREENSBORO — St. Pius X middle school students know a thing or two about stewardship. Throughout much of the month of May, St. Pius middle schoolers have ventured out of the classroom to share their unique talents of kindness, compassion and spirituality with those who may not have been given the same opportunities that they enjoy on a daily basis.
St. Pius X middle school religion teacher, Bill Parker, led his sixth-graders to the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro May 3 to help with the annual Special Olympics of Greensboro. Students enjoyed cheering on participants, recording times and scores, and giving recognition to the student athletes.
A week later Parker led his eighth-grade classes to Gateway Education Center of Greensboro to host the Gateway Prom. This prom was given as a special party for the students at Gateway, a school for students with special needs. St. Pius X middle school students enjoyed pushing wheelchairs around the dance floor as they sang along with the DJ and danced with the students served by Gateway. There were no wallflowers here as SPX students, acting as the hands and feet of Jesus, made sure every student at the Gateway Prom felt important and loved.
Parker said the highlight of the afternoon was a conga line started by the students that encompassed all the participants dancing or wheeling around the perimeter of the gym.
Stewardship is a large part of the academic program for St. Pius X middle schoolers. In April, students were each given $10 by the school’s PTO and challenged to “pay it forward” in some way within the community.
Students enjoyed being creative with their resources, as individuals and working as groups, to combine their money to use in the community in diverse ways. Through this “pay it forward” project, students were able to assist organizations like Reelin’ For Research and the American Red Cross.
Parker hopes that in the future his students can continue to grow their stewardship beyond the walls of his classroom to continue to assist the community in meaningful ways.
— April Parker
