An Ethos of Service

Dedicated to building a sense that our lives are more valuable when connected to a community in need, Hackley’s community service program is imbedded into the life of our students just like academics, arts, and athletics. While operating separately across divisions, the K-12 programs work together to ensure that all Hackley students graduate with an understanding that they have something of great worth to offer others.

The program begins in Kindergarten through fourth grade with a focus on building local awareness and then spreads its vision to the world. Our young students learn to make service part of their lives by participating in drives that collect canned goods, toys, and school supplies. The children also learn to participate in community service by putting together bagged meals of sandwiches and fruit for the Upper School Midnight Run projects for the homeless of New York City.

As our students grow, the program asks them to become more actively and independently involved. Middle School students initiate their own projects and learn the ideals of compassion by working directly with the people they help to support. They travel to hospitals to read children bedtime stories and take part in numerous fund-raising efforts like sponsored walks and runs.

The Upper School program is completely student driven. All ideas, projects, and inspiration come from the student body – with the guidance of the Upper School community service coordinator. The program encourages students to understand their own worth, while asking participants to take an active role in their community. Upper School students work with national organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Free the Children, local organizations like Midnight Run and the Elmsford Animal Shelter, and school-based groups that fulfill the needs that our students see on a yearly basis.

Hackley empowers its students to make community service part of their lives by never making participation a requirement. Students of all ages choose to give to their community and beyond because they see the impact their service has on others, and on themselves.