Upper School students’ excitement before Holiday Break could be felt not only in the halls of Hockaday, but also in various locations around Dallas as they participated in a half-day of community service activities. Freshmen stayed on campus for an assembly about hunger in El Salvador and around the world. Non-profit organization Rise Up Against Hunger facilitated a discussion about world hunger as well as a food packing activity to help out local community centers. Juniors also remained at school and showed their appreciation for the Hockaday community with thank you cards for maintenance and security staff and colorful bookmarks for Lower School students. Extending past Hockaday, sophomores packed and decorated snack bags to deliver to Nathan Adams Elementary School students for their STAAR standardized testing breaks. Finally, seniors stopped at houses in various Dallas neighborhoods to deliver lunches and dinners to elderly clients of Meals on Wheels. The half day gave many students the opportunity to relax, spend time with their classmates, and give back to their local communities before leaving for break.

Story by Shreya Gunukula

Photos by Michelle Mankoff