Salisbury Academy

SALISBURY — Just as the words on the banner painted by junior kindergartners read, Salisbury Academy students told the community, “Somebody loves you!” in a recent schoolwide day of service.

Held in honor of Salisbury Academy’s 25th year, the day celebrated a commitment to caring for others.

At Carillon Assisted Living, third-grader Emma Ott played the piano for residents while her peers held up the student-made banner. Emma was one of several students who played the piano. A chorus of second- and third-grade students also performed.

“It felt so good to make people happy,” said Emma. “It was a lot of fun, especially seeing them smile when we sang.”

Across town, middle school students talked with veterans at W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center and passed out cards made by kindergarten students. Fourth-grade students packed bags of food for Rowan Helping Ministries’ Food for Thought program.

“Our 25 Years of Service Day was certainly one to remember,” said Beverly Fowler, head of school. “It serves as a wonderful example of the impact that even the youngest members of a community can have on the greater good.”

At the school, groups of students worked on a number of other service programs, including decorating tiles to brighten the hallways of Prevent Child Abuse Rowan’s Terrie Hess House, assembling bundles of pinwheels for children at Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and writing letters to troops overseas.

“I really hope this project brings joy to the children,” said fifth-grader Gray Davis as he decorated his tile for the Terrie Hess House. “Being creative while making people smile is a great feeling.”

Salisbury Academy engages in outreach to more than 20 organizations annually, with many efforts made multiple times each year. From reading and singing to residents at local retirement communities to helping the hungry through a variety of programs, working for a healthier community is a central part of the school’s culture and mission.

“When you witness children developing true passion for service, there is no doubt in your mind. The smiles on their faces say it all,” said Fowler. “Just as it has been done for the past 25 years, Salisbury Academy is deeply committed to nurturing this joy of stewardship in our students today and in the many generations to come.”