Learning Through Giving: Stone Ridge Students Support WCC
The incredible 7th grade students at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland, combined their passion for community service and a lesson in animal welfare to raise $800 in support of Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). These students not only learned about the importance of animal welfare but also put their knowledge into action by hosting a bake sale to support the nonprofit’s mission.
The students’ bake sale was part of a larger civic action unit in their social studies curriculum, which encourages students to engage with their local communities after learning about government and citizenship. This year, the class of 2030 chose WCC as their focus, inspired by the organization’s mission and its impact on Veterans and their families.
Guided by their teacher, Dr. Bridget Riley, Stone Ridge Middle School social studies teacher, the entire class got involved, baking, decorating and selling treats to classmates, teachers and families. The result? A heartwarming display of generosity, teamwork and a deeper understanding of how even small acts can make a big difference.
“Throughout the civic action project, we learned about animal welfare and what we can do to support an issue we care deeply about,” shared one Stone Ridge student. “Our cause was animal welfare, and we decided as a fundraising group to hold a bake sale to raise money for Warrior Canine Connection. The bake sale was a huge success; in the end, all our hard work came together.”
Earlier in the year, the 7th grade students learned about WCC during a retreat, where they discussed the organization’s role as a model of giving and kindness. They reached out to WCC with thoughtful questions about the organization’s mission, the importance of animal welfare, and its dedication to supporting Veterans. The students even requested behind-the-scenes photos and videos to help them share WCC’s story with their school community.
Thank you, Stone Ridge class of 2030, for your generosity and for showing what it means to be active citizens in your community. We can’t wait to see how you’ll continue to make a difference in the world!
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