What's Happening in Cougar Country

Lake Catholic students spent part of their summer living out the school’s mission of faith, service, and compassion during the inaugural Summer Service Immersion Camp.

Led by theology teacher and Service Coordinator Beth Paskey, the week-long program allowed students to serve at several organizations throughout the area, including I’m In Ministry, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry, and Project Hope for the Homeless.

At Project Hope, students prepared and delivered lunch, toured the facility, and learned more about the organization’s ministry to those experiencing homelessness. After volunteering at the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank and St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry, students also made charitable donations to support the work being done at each location.

For Paskey, the idea for the camp grew out of the service opportunities students participated in during the school year.

“When I saw how much the students at Lake Catholic were enjoying my service field trips during the school year, I wanted to give them similar opportunities over the summer,” Paskey said. “My position at Lake Catholic has opened my eyes not only to the needs of many people in our community, but also to the goodness and generosity of the countless volunteers I meet at nonprofit organizations.”

What stood out most, she said, was the spirit with which students approached the week.

“The students who joined me did not participate because they needed service hours,” Paskey said. “They participated because they found joy in helping others.”

That joy was noticed by the organizations they served.

“The Lake Catholic students were wonderful,” said Deacon Lou Primozic of I’m In Ministry. “The volunteer project work they did will help many people who are disadvantaged, physically, economically, and in many cases suffer from traumatic life experiences. The students truly represent the spirit of Lake Catholic High School.”

Pam Lewis from St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry shared a similar message of gratitude, noting how much guests appreciated the students’ presence and help.

“The guests loved seeing them, and they were so polite and helpful,” Lewis said. “We would love to do this or something similar again next year.”

In between service stops, the group also enjoyed time together at the West Side Market, Dairy Queen, and RollHouse in Mentor, giving them time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Though this was the first year for the Summer Service Immersion Camp, Paskey hopes it is only the beginning.

“This was a one-week program,” she said, “but I would love to see it grow in the future.”