Sacred Heart Greenwich Recognized with the Legacy in Service Leadership Award

December 13, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS SACRED HEART GREENWICH! On Friday, December 6th, Sacred Heart Greenwich was honored to receive the Legacy in Service Leadership Award at the Don Bosco Dreams Gala, held at the Shenorock Shore Club. “This year’s gala theme is Legacy, Impact, Community,” said Jerry F. Rodriguez, Executive Director of Don Bosco. “Sacred Heart Greenwich truly embodies these values, reflecting a deep commitment to service that aligns seamlessly with our mission.” 

This recognition highlights the strong partnership between Sacred Heart Greenwich and two of Don Bosco’s school readiness programs, which serve local children in need. Rooted in the spirit of Mark 12:31, "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these," this honor celebrates Sacred Heart Greenwich’s commitment to caring for and empowering the community—putting love and service into action for those who need it most.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Don Bosco Community Center, an organization whose mission to serve those in need exemplifies compassion and dedication,” shared Michael F. Baber, President of Sacred Heart Greenwich. “Sacred Heart Greenwich is proud to be a long-standing partner in supporting their vital work. At our core, we are more than a school—we are a community committed to service and leadership, driven by the belief that the world is our extended family. This recognition affirms our shared commitment to making a lasting impact, and we are humbled to continue this journey alongside Don Bosco.” 

The partnership between Don Bosco and Sacred Heart Greenwich has thrived since the inception of Don Bosco’s school readiness programs, now celebrating a decade of collaboration. From the beginning, Sacred Heart Greenwich Upper School students have actively volunteered in Don Bosco’s summer and Saturday academic programs as pen pals to children in the after-school program and assisted at the soup kitchen.

These school readiness programs break the cycle of poverty by providing essential support in food security and education. The programs include Don Bosco Feeds, the Early Childhood Bilingual Scholars, the Afterschool and Summer Camp programs, and the College Access Program. Together, Don Bosco staff and volunteers offer academic assistance, STEM enrichment, recreational activities, and meals to children in the Port Chester community, empowering them to build a brighter future.

During her sophomore year, Maxine Boeding ’25 was invited by Spanish teacher, Montserrat Garcia, to volunteer with Don Bosco. "Little did I know how much this experience would change my life," she recently reflected. 

Since then, Maxine has worked as a volunteer intern in Don Bosco’s Early Childhood Bilingual Program, helping children ages three to six improve their literacy, numeracy, and motor skills. This vital instructional time supports young learners who are often academically behind their peers, focusing on both the academic and behavioral skills necessary for future success. 

This summer, Boeding conducted a research project on the program's impact. Her findings highlighted alarmingly low literacy and numeracy levels among underserved youth but also measured visible improvements in test scores after just five weeks in Don Bosco’s summer program. These results underscored the pressing need for expanded educational opportunities.

For Maxine, the impact of volunteering goes far beyond the data, "Volunteering with Don Bosco has transformed my life in ways I can’t fully express. I remember the smiles on students’ faces when they learned to write their names or count to twenty. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity." This sense of transformation aligns with Goal III of a Sacred Heart education, which prepares students to serve the common good in an interconnected world and fosters a lifelong commitment to service. 

Similarly, Caitlin Leahy ’25, an Early Childhood Bilingual Educator, reflects, "Each day is not just about teaching English and Spanish to the children; it's about building connections and making a meaningful impact." Maxine and Caitlin’s experiences at Don Bosco reflect the values of service and global perspective that Sacred Heart Greenwich seeks to instill in its students.

Click here to learn more about the Don Bosco Community Center.