A CELEBRATION OF BELONGING
AT THE MARGINS
F ordham Prep ’ s Christian Service requirement gives students the chance to bring what they ’ ve learned about belonging to institutions outside of the Prep . From writing Valentine ’ s Day cards for residents in assisted-living facilities to mentoring middle-school students , the experience is an exercise in building community .
“ While reading their service journals , you get a sense of how much they feel part of the community that they ’ ve been serving ,” said math and French teacher Patricia Morris , Ph . D . who helps run the Prep ’ s Christian Service Program .
The service sites are always thankful for their volunteers , leading them to express their gratitude in a variety of ways , including awards and gifts . Director of Christian Service and Religious Studies teacher Paul Homer notes that the sites are often sad to see Prep students leave once they ’ ve completed their hours .
“ There are certainly days that are difficult for ( the seniors ) during those 70 service hours , but by the end I think they really feel to be a genuine part of whatever site they ’ re at ,” he stated . “ The staff and the people that they serve know them by name , you know ? Many times at the after-school program sites , the children are all upset and holding on to ( the Prep senior ’ s ) leg screaming , ‘ You ’ ve got to come back !’” he laughed .
Sometimes , the students do such a great job of fostering belonging that they ’ ll go above and beyond their service hours , often returning to volunteer during the holidays . Math teacher Arianne Dempsey , who assists Homer and Morris with Christian Service , believes the program brings out what Fr . Greg Boyle , SJ , describes as “ serving at the margins ” to transform oneself and the community .
“ These people who are so isolated and on their own look forward to seeing our students and they feel like they are a part of Fordham Prep ,” Dempsey remarked . “ It ’ s like creating that feeling of belonging and making sure that other people who don ’ t have that feel a part of it ,” she concluded .
Fordham Prep students work at a variety of sites for their Christian Service projects , including seniorliving facilities , after-school programs , and food pantries across New York City and Westchester .
While reading their service journals , you get a sense of how much they feel part of the community that they ’ ve been serving .”
— Patricia Morris , Ph . D ., Math and French Teacher
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
It doesn ’ t end with students , faculty , and staff . As Pedro states ,
“ It ’ s the mission of every constituent in our community to care . If even one person in our community feels like they don ’ t belong , we haven ’ t achieved our mission .”
DEI has made a conscious effort to include parents in the conversation of helping their sons feel at home every day at Rose Hill . Their insight is quite valuable to the DEI team , hence the creation of the Parent Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion Group . The group is led by Prep mothers , fathers , and guardians .
ABOVE : Randy Pedro P ’ 12 ’ 17 , Director of DEI .
“ We want parents to help guide us and understand their [ sons ’] needs and how the school can best fulfill them . What are the needs that they see as opposed to the needs that I see ?” Pedro explained . The group focuses on cura personalis , care for each individual student , with the help of the Prep ’ s current families .
President of the Mothers ’ Club Tania Sanchez P ’ 23 learned early on how important the parents of the Prep are in the welcoming process for families . “ The summer before my son ’ s freshman year , my family and I received a welcome package which included a tote bag and a beautiful message from the past presidents of the Mothers ’ Club , Rene Chao P ’ 19 ’ 23 and Rosanna Ciccone
P ’ 17 ’ 19 ’ 21 . I knew then this was an organization I wanted to be part of and support ,” she said .
Although the Prep has changed physically over the years , its Jesuit foundation is unwavering . Alumnus Dave Guerrero ’ 91 P ’ 23 is grateful for the chance to give back to the community as Fathers ’ Club President while his son , Andrew ’ 23 , got to experience the Prep in a different century .
“ I ’ ve always felt welcomed by the Prep community from day one of my freshman year through today ,” he stated . “ The teachers and coaches supported me as a student-athlete , and I ( saw ) that same genuine sense of care for my son . The Prep staff go above and beyond for the students .”
It ’ s the mission of every constituent in our community to care .”
— Randy Pedro P ’ 12 ’ 17 , Director of DEI
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FORDHAM PREP RAMVIEW