Holy Trinity Catholic High School is banking on its students making a difference.
The school handed out $100 each to 20 students, along with students chosen from two of its feeder schools, as part of a Kingdom Assignment on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
The assignment is to use the $100 to raise more funds for the Shepherds of Good Hope and Development and Peace to help make a difference in the community.
“I am truly honoured to be bestowed with this great responsibility,” said Grade 7 student Kody Bradley-Lalonde.
Kody said he aims to raise at least $500.
“Cross your fingers,” he said.
Denise André, superintendent of Holy Trinity family of schools, deputy director of education and assistant secretary treasurer, said the Catholic board saw Holy Trinity as a “perfect fit” for the Kingdom Assignment, which first started in the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. Holy Trinity is the first school in the Ottawa Catholic board to participate in the project.
“It’s an exciting initiative,” said André.
The St. Clair board handed out $2,000 in the first Kingdom Assignment, which turned into $45,000 for United Way.
“Our goal is that each child will take the $100 and make it grow,” said Holy Trinity principal Silvio Rigucci.
The students selected from Holy Trinity, as well as those from its feeder schools, St. Anne and St. Martin de Porres Catholic elementary schools, have until April to raise funds for charities the Shepherds of Good Hope and Development and Peace.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Kingdom Assignment ties into a new specialist high skills major program that was launched at Holy Trinity on Nov. 16.
The high school will now offer students in grades 11 and 12 the option of taking the social justice program in preparation for post-secondary education and employment.
Grade 11 student Christina Lapointe said through the social justice program, she’s able to get a credit doing what she loves to do.
“Having these opportunities…is really something I want to take from this program,” she said. “It allows students to have their voices heard – and more important, to change the world.”
“Together we will continue the work highlighted by Mother Teresa,” said Rigucci.
The social justice program will “build a foundation of sector-specific skills,” he said, for students who are considering a career in the non-profit division. “This will prepare them for their chosen career.”
Grade 11 student Alex Baynes said before she enrolled in the program she was “ignorant of social injustices around the world.”
Now, she said she wants to help erase inequality.
“For me it has opened my eyes,” said Baynes. “We have a burning passion for people.”
Michaela DeCurtis, also in Grade 11, said the class is working to make changes.
“People might think we’re crazy for trying to make such a change,” she said. “But it’s the crazy ones who get things done.”
Holy Trinity is the first school in the board to offer the social justice program. The school also offers a health and wellness specialist high skills major program.
jessica.cunha@metroland.com