38 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024 focus on faith Our end of the year school mission involved collecting gently used school supplies for School #7. It is our hope that each elementary student will have enough resources to ourish and feel empowered in their education. AQ students cleaned out their lockers and donated their reusable school supplies for pick-up from InterVol, an organization based out of Rochester that repurposes unused medical supplies. e team at InterVol o ered to pick up our school’s mission collections and deliver them to School #7. e idea to donate school supplies started with Hser Paw ’24, who is no stranger to acts of service as a way of life. Hser has donated more than supplies over the years, she has spent countless of time and energy helping schools in need. Hser believes, “You achieve a lot more when you serve without expecting anything in return. I serve God’s children because I care.” Hser’s senior capstone project revolved around highlighting the profound impact of education on students’ futures. is sparked the school mission to donate gently used materials instead of disposing them on the last day of school. “Helping others has always been a part of me,” describes Hser. She re ects, “From a very young age, I recognized the immense fortune of my family’s journey, leaving the refugee camp in ailand where I spent my early years, to begin a new life in America.” is early awareness has fueled her ambition to pursue a career in medicine, driven by a deep-seated desire to continue aiding those in need. Hser is enrolled in Cornell University’s Human Biology, Health, and Society (HBHS) program as part of the College of Human Ecology. Not only will she be attending school in the fall, she already has plans to continue her community outreach at Cayuga Wellness Center, an innovative wellness center providing a wide range of health and wellness services for the Ithaca community and the surrounding region. Hser served on the Mission & Ministry Core Team since its inception in 2022. She enjoyed assisting in guiding her peers on their spiritual journeys. She emphasizes the signi cance of community service in a student’s development and growth, and hopes it remains a fundamental aspect of education. “Giving back is crucial; it shapes our character, and we should advocate for those who haven’t had the same opportunities as us,” she a rms. Overall, we collected four large boxes of supplies, including binders, notebooks, folders, pens/pencils, pencil cases, markers, and other materials for School #7, providing valuable resources for its students in the upcoming fall semester. Our eighth grade students also planted owers with an inspirational garden sign for the school. Hser embodies our belief that each of us has the ability to enact positive change by actively seeking out opportunities to help others. As stated in our school’s beliefs, “Service to others is our expression of Christ’s love for us,” and we are dedicated to being an integral part of the Rochester City community for years to come. About the Mission & Ministry Core Team: e Mission & Ministry Core Team is a group of motivated high school students who serve as faith role models, develop and utilize leadership skills, and promote a culture of acceptance and inclusion for our AQ school community. Core Team organizes retreats, assists with Masses and prayer services, engages in service projects, and more. e Core Team was initiated in 2022 by Jodi Schott, Director of Mission & Ministry. Each spring, students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grades can apply for the following school year. Applicants attend an interview with the current Core Team members to determine acceptance. Once selected, students commit to a year-long covenant. SERVICE BEYOND SELF Hser Paw ’24 teamed up with InterVol for our end of the year school mission Hser Paw ’24 with her mother, Lah Doh Htoo
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