Spirit of Serviam Comes Full Circle at Mission Day

Erin O'Malley '08 and her mom, Ursuline nurse Ginger O'Malley

At Mission Day on October 18, the spirit of Serviam came full circle for Ursuline graduate Erin O'Malley, Class of 2008.

O'Malley volunteered in Njabini, Kenya with Flying Kites Global, the recipient of the money raised at this year's Mission Day, and was back on campus for the event.

"Mission Day meant so much to me when I was a student at Ursuline, and I was always involved in the planning," O'Malley said.  "It was such a full circle feeling for me, when I was back this year planning with Mrs. Costa."

Decorations transformed each of the homerooms into a different booth full of treats and surprises.  The Beary Best Bakery was a popular spot, and the Top Hat Raffle featured an array of donated prizes, including a Pandora bracelet, a Vera Bradley bag, and gift cards to Legacy Place.

Flying Kites Bazaar at Mission Day 2011

Another popular booth was the Flying Kites Bazaar, where O'Malley sold handmade scarves, hats, and slippers from Njabini Apparel, a business she started with a fellow volunteer in Kenya.  "We employ disabled and disadvantaged mothers in the community of Njabini to handknit these items, and economically support and empower them," O'Malley said.

Junior Abby Sullivan said the Country Store was her favorite booth, because it had been her homeroom in 7th grade.  But she also pointed out that Mission Day is not only about treats and goodies.

"I think it is important to make sure we are aware of the problems, not only in our own community, but around the world," she said.  "It's important to live out our Serviam motto globally."

Nora and her Little Sister, Carine

Sophomore Nora Reyad said that the best part of the day was watching the 7th graders enjoy their first Mission Day.  The sophomores are Big Sisters to the 7th graders as part of Ursuline's Big Sister Little Sister program.

"The 7th graders are our Little Sisters, and it's so great to see the excitement on their faces," she said.  Reyad and her Little Sister, Carine Hajjar, had some fun with the beanbag toss in the Game Room.

The final count of the money raised is not in yet, but O'Malley already considers Mission Day 2011 a success.

"Serviam is so ingrained in the UA experience, and it's a huge reason why I got involved with Flying Kites Global and Njabini Apparel," she said.  "I'm so happy with how involved the girls were today, and it was incredible to see and be around their energy again!"