How service learning helps develop students into compassionate and purpose-driven leaders

By Robert Missonis, Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle School

Service is at the heart of Stuart, shaping our students into compassionate leaders dedicated to making the world a better place. Stuart’s emphasis on service reflects our desire to fully live Goal 3 of the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria which calls us to “a social awareness that impels to action.” This commitment transcends classroom learning, inspiring students to engage in meaningful acts of service that transform both the giver and the recipient in a reciprocal relationship that respects the humanity and dignity of all involved.

One of the most impactful ways Stuart students embody this goal is through partnerships with organizations around our community such as Upper School students supporting Princeton Nursery School, delivering food through Meals on Wheels, or our recent all-community effort supporting Loaves and Fishes at St. Mary’s Cathedral at the end of January. Loaves and Fishes has been a deep part of the Stuart community for forty years. This ministry provides meals and essential services to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Stuart students, faculty, and families work together to prepare and serve meals at the cathedral, embodying the Sacred Heart’s mission to extend compassion to those in need. Through their efforts, students witness the challenges faced by marginalized communities and are encouraged to think critically about their role in addressing systemic inequities.

The experience teaches them the importance of dignity and human connection—values that will guide their future leadership.

Meals on Wheels serves a similar mission, delivering meals to those in need. Senior Alex shared, “I remember meeting one woman that we talked to for almost thirty minutes straight as she shared stories about her culture and childhood and shared some beautiful lessons with us. It reminded me how service goes both ways. Not only are you helping those in need, but they help you in more ways than you can imagine. By getting involved in missions and causes greater than myself, I have further built empathy and kindness and have grown in my faith and connection with the world around me. I know this is something that I will continue to do for the rest of my life.”

Stuart students also participate in divisional service days, referred to as Goal 3 Days. In the Lower School, our third grade students act as our service ambassadors. They work to research local organizations and causes and collectively design a day of service for the lower school that allows all students to make an impact in a developmentally appropriate way. Most recently, our third graders led the Lower School in making cards and treat bags for Carnegie Post Acute Care Center, a local nursing home. The third and fourth grade traveled to deliver these supplies, as well as visit with the residents.These efforts instill fundamental skills in the developing minds of elementary age students, including empathy, collaboration, and initiative. Jacqueline Silva, who overseas service learning and leadership in the Lower School acknowledged the importance of introducing service in the early grades, because "in the Lower School, we truly believe that you are never too small to make a difference. Every student has the power and opportunity to affect real change at Stuart.”

Another cornerstone of Stuart’s service program is the Appalachia Service Project, an initiative that connects students with families in rural communities to repair and rebuild homes. Abby, a Stuart junior, reflected on her experience: “The opportunity to get to know the people we serve and the community we serve with is really special. The environment at the center and the worksites is so welcoming and supportive of everyone. Getting to experience it is truly amazing and hard to fully describe it all, but it makes me go back every year! “ This immersive experience takes students beyond their comfort zones, fostering empathy and resilience as they work side by side with residents to improve living conditions. The Appalachia Service Project exemplifies the Sacred Heart’s emphasis on social justice, enabling students to witness the power of collective action in uplifting communities. As students hammer nails and paint walls, they also build bridges of understanding, deepening their appreciation for diverse perspectives and the shared humanity that unites us all.

Ninth grader Alexandra was moved by her experience attending a Sacred Heart Summer Network project the summer before her eighth grade year. She shares, “Stuart provided me with the opportunity to travel to the Sacred Heart School in Chicago, which to this day, remains to be one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I learned about the importance of fresh produce in a society, food deserts, environmental sustainability, and the effects of fast fashion on the environment , all while connecting with other girls from Sacred Heart schools across the country. I loved this Chicago experience so much that it encouraged me to sign up for ASP this summer, which I am beyond excited for.”  This clearly demonstrates how one experience in service can create a chain reaction inspiring more service and more engagement. Students learn about the issues that our society faces and are empowered by knowing that they can be a force for change and good.

The research underscores the transformative benefits of service learning for students. A study published in the Journal of Experiential Education  found that service programs enhance social skills, community awareness, and a commitment to helping others. These findings validate the profound impact of Stuart’s service initiatives, enumerating how they equip students with skills and values essential for leadership in a complex world.

The Sacred Heart’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in the teachings of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart. She once said, “Be humble, be simple, bring joy to others.” These words resonate in Stuart’s approach to service, where humility and joy are central to the mission. Saint Philippine Duchesne, a missionary of the Sacred Heart, echoed this sentiment, stating, “You may dazzle the mind with a thousand brilliant discoveries of natural science; you may open new worlds of knowledge which were never dreamed of before; yet, if you have not developed in the soul of the pupil strong habits of virtue which will sustain her in the struggle of life, you have not educated her, but only put in her hand a powerful instrument of self-destruction.” It is through this work that we help students accept their responsibility to make the world a better place. They learn that their tremendous gifts and talents come with the responsibility to use them wisely and to be aware of the world around them and the people who need them.  It is through serving others that we serve God. 

At Stuart, service is more than a series of projects; it is a way of life that shapes students into future leaders.

By engaging in service, students develop essential leadership qualities such as empathy, collaboration, and accountability. They learn to navigate complex social issues with compassion and creativity, skills that are increasingly vital in a globalized world. Moreover, service fosters a sense of purpose, empowering students to see themselves as agents of change who can make a difference in their communities and beyond.  Throughout the year, we pause our academic calendar to take part in Goal III days and provide students with opportunities to go off-campus to serve throughout Mercer County and beyond. 

The emphasis on service also aligns with Stuart’s broader mission to educate the whole child. Through service, students not only enhance their academic understanding but also nurture their spiritual and emotional growth. By reflecting on their experiences, they gain deeper insights into their values and aspirations, laying the foundation for a life of integrity and impact. This holistic approach ensures that Stuart graduates are not only well-educated but also deeply committed to using their talents for the greater good.  Stuart students not only take part in service, but also lead and shape the program.  Abby reflects, “​​I have been able to be head of Operation Smile since freshman year and lead various service events for a cause that I have been a part of for years and is important to me. I also like to be able to get other people involved in service and organizations that are meaningful to me.”  Stuart wraps service into leadership, developing both student awareness and agency.

The transformative power of service is evident in the stories of Stuart alumnae, many of whom continue to prioritize community engagement in their personal and professional lives. Whether advocating for social justice, leading nonprofit organizations, or volunteering in their local communities, Stuart graduates embody the Sacred Heart’s vision of leaders who serve with courage and compassion. At Stuart, students do not count hours trying to meet a simple graduation requirement. Instead, they are exposed to a wide variety of social issues and injustices and can find the things that speak most to them. This personal connection inspires them to fully commit to the work because they are moved by compassion, empathy, and a desire for justice. Rather than just getting a form signed that they have completed 20 hours of service and moving on, Stuart girls are motivated towards a lifetime of work.