Clarendon Hills Eighth Graders Launch Urgent Community Projects

UPDATE: In a remarkable display of community spirit, Clarendon Hills Middle School eighth graders transformed a testing day into an opportunity for public service on December 15, 2023. While their sixth and seventh-grade peers were preoccupied with the Measure of Academic testing, these dedicated students rolled up their sleeves to support both animal welfare and public safety initiatives.

The eighth graders engaged in two impactful projects: creating “no sew” blankets for animals awaiting adoption at local shelters and advocating for Automated External Defibrillator (AED) installations at Prospect Park. These efforts highlight the students’ commitment to making a real difference in their community.

Working alongside local animal shelters, students crafted blankets designed to provide warmth and comfort for dogs and cats. These blankets not only help shelter animals feel secure but are also sent home with pets upon adoption, aiding their transition to new families. “Many of our students have pets of their own, and they all seem to care deeply for animals,” said Meghan Carey, an eighth-grade Social Studies teacher and building team leader at CHMS.

In a parallel effort, the students wrote letters to advocate for AED systems in Prospect Park, in collaboration with the charity Just One Mike’s. This initiative was inspired by the tragic passing of former student Michael Brindley from cardiac arrest in 2016. His family founded the charity to promote awareness and fund the installation of AEDs in public spaces. “The parks in Clarendon Hills currently do not have any AEDs, so the students wrote letters advocating for the village to partner with Just One Mike to have them installed,” Carey explained.

The urgency of this project is evident, as the eighth graders aim to enhance public safety in their community. “We wanted to do this project in honor of Michael,” Carey stated, emphasizing the importance of preparing for emergencies.

Students expressed their passion for these projects, with eighth grader Radha Kaushal-Goel describing the blanket-making activity as “very rewarding and collaborative.” She noted, “I thought this was one of the best stations, as it left all of us feeling better, as we felt as if we had changed an animal’s life.”

Another student, Olivia Shum, found immense satisfaction in advocating for the AED system. “It made us feel like we could make decisions in the community and be heard,” she remarked. “I felt like I could make a change in the world.”

The motivation behind these service projects began last year, as the eighth graders sought meaningful ways to utilize their half day. “We wanted the students to realize the value of giving back,” Carey said. The theme of the school’s social-emotional learning curriculum, “Giving to Others,” resonated deeply with the students, making these projects a natural extension of their lessons.

As the projects come to fruition, the eighth graders have not only completed valuable community service but have also learned the significance of contributing to the well-being of others. The quality of their letters and the creativity in their blanket-making showcases their hard work and dedication.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion among the students. As the community awaits the outcomes of their advocacy, the students of Clarendon Hills Middle School have proven that even small actions can lead to significant change.

Stay tuned for further updates on the installation of AED systems and the response from local authorities. The commitment shown by these eighth graders serves as a reminder of the power of youth in shaping a safer, more compassionate community.