All for one, fun for all: Mission Day at UA
With candy apples in their hands, tiny umbrellas in their smoothies and treats in their pockets, the students of Ursuline Academy had the spirit of Serviam in their hearts at the school’s annual Mission Day on October 5.
Typical classrooms transformed into colorful and thematic booths, each featuring donated items which were purchased by students, parents and friends of the school. “While we raised money for a good cause, we had a lot of fun,” said seventh grader Ashley Haughton, who most enjoyed when her teacher, Mr. Jaworski, was taken to the faux “Jail.” Some of the more popular rooms this year include The Beary Best Bakery, Fenway Park (featuring 2 Red Sox Championship rings, and franks of course), the Top Hat Raffle and the tropical Smoothie Room.
While students enjoyed spending their allowance on Mission Day treats, they did so knowing that their contributions were ultimately going to a worthy cause. My Brother’s Keeper, a local Christian charity that provides food and furniture to needy families throughout the year, was the grateful recipient of this year’s collection. At a beautiful opening Mass celebration, the community received a heartfelt "thank you" from Mr. Erich Miller, Executive Director of My Brother's Keeper: "We believe service is a privilege, not a duty or an obligation so we work hard to share that privilege with as many people as possible…please know how grateful and humbled we are that you’ve chosen to support My Brother’s Keeper today.”
While students enjoyed spending their allowance on Mission Day treats, they did so knowing that their contributions were ultimately going to a worthy cause. My Brother’s Keeper, a local Christian charity that provides food and furniture to needy families throughout the year, was the grateful recipient of this year’s collection. At a beautiful opening Mass celebration, the community received a heartfelt "thank you" from Mr. Erich Miller, Executive Director of My Brother's Keeper: "We believe service is a privilege, not a duty or an obligation so we work hard to share that privilege with as many people as possible…please know how grateful and humbled we are that you’ve chosen to support My Brother’s Keeper today.”
"The generosity of parents, the generosity of time, and the will of the students is what make this event possible each year," says UA Campus Minister Marge Costa, who has overseen the charitable fair for the past thirty years. The event, which is now a fond tradition for community members, often draws local alumnae back to reminisce of Mission Days past. "I brought my boys a couple years ago. They had a blast and it was nice to see staff and all the changes to UA," graduate Katie Tower Verrette wrote on Ursuline's Facebook page.
According to Sister Nesta, who worked feverishly in the cash room, Ursuline raised approximately $14,800 for charity at this year's event. "The day was super-fantastic," says Mrs. Tomase, who ran the Beary Best Bakery. "There was a wonderful spirit this year, and the kids had a great time."
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Our 7th Graders and their families gathered for a Potluck Supper on October 6. While their parents met with teachers, students played games in the Tea Room. Click here for some fun candid photos!
