High Schoolers serve across Nashville during Community Action Day

Publish Date: 2/27/2025

After gathering in Durnan Auditorium to hear from a Hands on Nashville executive, more than 400 students spent the day volunteering at various organizations throughout the region.

By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

On Wednesday, February 26, University School of Nashville High School students took part in the school’s annual Community Action Day, stepping away from their classrooms to make a positive impact across the Nashville community. The volunteer opportunities included sorting books, organizing care packages, organizing at food banks, cleaning up local neighborhoods, and much more. Throughout the day, students demonstrated a commitment to service that resonated deeply with everyone involved.

To start their morning, the students were joined by Mary Martin, Associate Director of Corporate Engagement at Hands on Nashville, who spoke about the power of volunteering and its collective impact on our community.

Martin reflected on her experiences volunteering with her family as a child and how they shaped her worldview. She emphasized how volunteer work could spark change and provide students with the tools to make a difference.

“It’s so important to give your time to causes that you care about. You can truly be a catalyst for change in your community,” Martin said.

She also shared Tennessee’s legacy as the Volunteer State, a reminder of the importance of service to others in the state’s history.

After Martin’s conversation, students boarded buses at USN to take them to locations throughout the city where they’d spend the day.

“I preferred to work with books,” said Afolabi Ajayi '26, who served at the Book ‘em location where students focused on organizing and categorizing books, sorting them into new and used categories, with the ultimate goal of distributing them to low-income families across Nashville.

“What we’re doing is determining if books are new or used and helping them organize them for distribution,” said Seth Prince '25.

Afolabi shared that while CAD gave students a break from school, the sense of purpose in the work is what truly resonated with him.

"My favorite part is getting to see a part of the community you don’t usually see,” he said, highlighting the opportunity to serve those who may not always have access to educational resources.

Meanwhile, at the Ronald McDonald House, students chose to help a group that supports many families in town while their children receive medical care at Nashville hospitals. Jude Eskin '25 shared, “We preferred to work with a group that helps the disabled so this was a great fit.”

For Iris Daverman '28, the experience was also about enjoying the chance to get out and help the community.

“Getting the chance to spend the day helping the community is fun and gives you a new perspective.”

Because the Ronald McDonald House provides so many services for families, volunteers were given a wide range of tasks to complete during the day. Their tasks included cleaning up the area surrounding the Ronald McDonald House and organizing winter care packages for families. The packages contained items like blankets and quilts, designed to provide warmth and comfort to those facing challenging times.

Site leader and regular Ronald McDonald House volunteer Helena Martin '26 had a particular appreciation for getting the opportunity to work with the organization again.

“CAD really gives us a sense of perspective. There are so many organizations here in town that help people, so the day gives us a chance to see some of them and learn what they do,” she said.

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, students worked alongside site leaders Caroline Kleiper '25 and Cate Laird '26 to distribute food packages. Cate, who said she sought a bigger role in CAD this year, embraced the challenge of leading the group.

"We’re lucky to be at USN because it gives us a chance to dedicate a day to service,” she said. "Community Action Day also gets us out of our bubble. Working at the Food Bank, you get to learn about some of the food insecurity issues that we may not see every day."

The students spent their time at the food bank sorting and packing food for students to take home over the weekend, a simple yet vital effort to combat food insecurity.

In total, USN students in grades 9-12 visited 22 locations throughout Nashville, helping each of them reach their goals and support community members. Community Action Day is more than just a day off from school — it's an opportunity for students to step outside their usual routines and contribute to the greater good. Through activities like sorting books, organizing care packages, helping with food distribution, and so much more, USN students are not only giving back to their community but also gaining a deeper understanding of the needs around them. This year’s CAD has once again proven that service has the power to bring people together and inspire lasting change.

Read about students’ Community Action Day experiences in their words below.

“When volunteering every year for CAD, I think my classmates and I gain a sense of community. Through collective action, we work together to help out our neighbors, strengthening our connections and making us realize how valuable working as a team can be in improving our community. It also brings us closer to our neighbors by taking us out of the circles we experience every day and by allowing us to see and empathize with other members of our community who we might not always see. This year, my group went to Room in the Inn. We sorted through donations of snacks and toiletries, cleaned up the kitchen, served food to those in need, and learned about the story of the founding of Room in the Inn. My group did a wonderful job and was very kind and empathetic towards those we served. It was such a heartwarming, and at the same time eye-opening experience to have such personal contact with people who have significant needs. I look forward to Community Action Day every year. It's one of my favorite events that USN hosts. It changed my perspective on how I see our community and inspired me to improve it in even more ways in the future. It's so much fun, allows you to grow closer to your classmates, and strengthens your connections with your neighbors.” - Lila Hemphill '26

"Students at USN learn about what collective action and civic engagement mean through Community Action Day. By volunteering at various sites, students explore how they can use their skills and time to positively impact their community. Community Action Day is a catalyst for students to develop a deeper understanding of social responsibility, build relationships with local organizations, and recognize their ability to lead meaningful social change. For CAD this year, I led student volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT). We de-rooted garden beds, mopped floors, cleaned community spaces, and volunteered our time to improve the BGCMT’s after school programs. Afterwards, students reported feeling happiness and inner satisfaction from serving their community. Many students felt inspired to go back and volunteer at organizations like BGCMT and other non-profits that aligned with their interests. Community Action Day is an opportunity to step outside the classroom and make an impact in your community. It’s a chance to work alongside your classmates, meet new people, and see firsthand how collective action can create positive change. Students get to volunteer at different sites, whether it’s helping at a food bank, working in a garden, or supporting local educational organizations. It’s a day to learn, give back, and reflect on how your skills and time can make a difference. Community Action Day is a great way to discover causes you care about and explore how you can stay involved in Tennessee beyond just one day." - Saawan Duvvuri '26

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