The McVeigh Day of Service took place on April 9, 2022, where the Germantown Academy community gathered to honor Mr. Peter McVeigh’s legacy through community service. The day was organized by the alumni of the Community Service Organization who reside in areas across the country. In the cities of Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles communities came together to participate in the day of service and fulfill the legacy of Mr. McVeigh. Of the Germantown Academy community, Señora Marquez, Mr. Chubb, and current CSO members collaborated to lead the volunteer students and further helped to organize this special day.
Señora Marquez, the faculty advisor and leader of CSO, offered her insights regarding the process of planning the day of service and the outcomes in which it brought to her and our community. She explained that the Germantown Academy community constructed over 1,200 bags of pre-packed breakfast items to donate to the designated organizations: Face to Face and Sunday Rescue Mission. The entire Upper School was welcomed to join in on this process, and some Middle School and Lower School families participated as well. Following the preparation, volunteers gathered together to help hand out the bags to each organization and ensure that the day was running smoothly.
The McVeigh Day of Service’s ultimate purpose is to give back to communities all around the country, offer help to others in need, and connect the CSO alumni through the events which ran simultaneously as the day of service went on. Mr. McVeigh would have hoped for the Germantown Academy community to carry on these acts. Señora Marquez stated, “All of us that were lucky enough to meet Peter McVeigh would like for his legacy to last for as long as possible.” She spoke upon the purpose of why each organization was chosen and said that “the activities help to preserve his memory and his work; it’s all about preserving his legacy.” This day has positively impacted many lives; not only is the GA community supporting families and friends in need, but as Señora Marquez has shared, “The day felt so gratifying, and to know that everyone there was working towards Peter’s goal was incredible.” Every volunteer and staff person left the McVeigh Day of Service feeling a sense of pride in giving to those who are currently struggling.
Events similar to the McVeigh Day of Service occur throughout the year and are promoted by CSO. The Germantown Academy community offers many opportunities for students to offer help to those in need and work closely with organizations like Face to Face. Thank you to those who participated in this day; whether it was help with planning and organizing or volunteering, the help is appreciated by all who were impacted by the positive outcomes of the day of service.