Ian Cho ‘26
Community engagement at St. Mark’s reflects the school’s core mission to develop students who prioritize collaboration, empathy, and leadership. Through hands-on service experiences, students connect with communities beyond the boroughs and grow into thoughtful changemakers. Opportunities to engage are woven into many parts of school life, including afternoon activities, Saturday classes, student-run clubs, engagement day, and grant-supported independent projects. This year, students can now choose community engagement as an afternoon activity in place of athletics, working with Dr. Kopp to partner with organizations throughout Southborough. Saturday courses like Special Olympics and the African Community Education (ACE) Center give students direct opportunities to serve, while clubs such as Paws for Cause and the Haiti Partnership raise awareness and support for nonprofits. No matter the format, community engagement empowers St. Mark’s students to build meaningful relationships and make a lasting difference.
Many students have found St. Mark’s community engagement opportunities deeply meaningful. Catherine Zhang ’26, who leads discussions for children at the ACE Center in Worcester, shared that she enjoys “talk[ing] to the kids, learn[ing] about their cultures, and explor[ing] interesting topics, such as migration.” Bella Summer ’28 also reflected on ACE, saying she’s “created bonds with so many kids that [she] will never forget.”
Ellie Cohen ’26 recalled a memorable Saturday class trip to a local farm where students cleared rocks so the land could be used to grow produce for local shelters and farm stands. “It was tedious and fun,” she said. “We did it for a great cause.” Students also volunteer beyond school hours. Alexander Hodi ’26 works with the Southborough Food Pantry and the New England Center for Children.
On May 19, 2025, the school hosted Engagement Day. Students picked up trash on campus and volunteered with local organizations, including Pine Hill Meadow Garden, Veterans Inc., ACE, the Southborough Public Library, and more. Diana Wainrib of Pine Hill Meadow Garden said, “They were such good workers and got so much done.” ACE leaders shared gratitude for the students’ consistent involvement. “We are honored by the service you provide,” wrote Abil Dhee. At the Southborough Open Land Foundation, Debbie Costine called the students “a great group.” Marianna Sorensen at the public library added, “Thank you for helping us develop and offer the [Reading Buddies] program. I look forward to offering it in the future.”
Whether through one-day events or long-term partnerships, St. Mark’s students are making a real impact and leading lives of consequence beyond the classroom.