Looking back: Can you find 2 of our current upper school teachers in this 1980’s yearbook and 1990’s insert? (Courtesy/The Caravel)
A Q & A with Mrs. Bening, by Stephen Ma
Could you tell us about Service at Academy: when it was founded and your role as its chair?
In 1997 after the retirement of Service Club Advisor Ms. Glenna Spencer, I volunteered to take over the Service Club, the original name of the Service Board. In 2010 the school decided to create a Service Dept. I applied for and was awarded with the position of Chair after an interview process.
The Service Club (originally a part of Student Council) was created in the early 1980s. The title “Club” was really a misnomer — all students (K-12) at CA belonged to the “club” and were required to “earn” their $5 annual dues. The dues were used to cover the “club’s” operating budget — Faith Mission visits (4 per year), Faculty Staff Appreciation Day, and a
distribution of funds to local agencies.
The “club” was modelled on Student Council. Each US grade level had elected representatives, and the President/VP were elected at the same time the Student Body Pres/VP were elected. So, the “club” had about 20 members.
In 1999, Service Board President John Gahbauer asked if we could change the way in which Service “Club” members were selected. Here’s why: the girl who had run against him was a wonderful community servant, and because she lost the election, she could not be part of the “club.” John felt strongly that anyone who wanted to be part of the group, should be. At that point we decided to change our model, write a new mission statement, create new operating principles, and manage service inclusively and in a way that encouraged service leadership in myriad ways.
In 2001 under the leadership of Service Board Pres. David Waterman, the Service “Club” ceased to be and was renamed this Service Board. All changes were created, reviewed and ratified by the students, including our operating principles, protocols, and my job description.
When were the Shapers established?
During Hannah Wexner’s tenure as Service Board Pres in 2012, the board had grown to a siza (about 80 students), so we needed a steering committee.
Hannah developed the plan for a steering committee. Later leaders refined the selection procedure.
How has Service Board changed over the years? How will Service Board change due to COVID?
The Service Board has grown, but its focus has remained the same since the changes we made circa 2000: to serve those in need. However, the scope of our work has increased, as we manage many CA events: the oversight of all CA recycling, providing volunteers for a wide range of events in all divisions, directing events that are really school-wide curricularly.
Will the Upper School community service graduation requirement be altered given COVID?
Not at this time.
What would you like the readers of “The Academy Life” to know about Service Board?
Regarding COVID, it will be our goal to address needs in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and that engage CA students to meet the needs of others.
An act of service reflects generosity of time, resources, and energy. It is an investment of self– spirit, body, and mind – in helping to meet the needs of others.
