As an NDCL student, I stress the importance of service in Christ and community outreach to every school member. However, for student-athletes, it can be easy to get wrapped up in a routine schedule of school, practice, homework, repeat, and leave no time for other activities. Taking a step back to see just how blessed we are to be able to play a sport we love at a school we love is just as important as daily workouts. That’s why the NDCL volleyball program was so excited about the opportunity to spend some time making crafts, playing outside, and having fun with the children at the Metzenbaum School.
On Friday, October 20, the first-year students, JV, and varsity volleyball teams volunteered at the Metzenbaum Twinkle Preschool off Cedar Rd in Chesterland. This full-day preschool is designed for students 3 to 5 years of age with intense needs and developmental disabilities. Over the month before, the volleyball girls collected over 400 children’s books to be given to each student in an individualized, customized canvas tote bag. Each student received a tote with their name on it that they could decorate with paint pens, markers, and stickers with the help of their player buddies. Each child went home with three books of their own, while all remaining books were donated to each of the three classrooms so they could start their libraries.
According to the administrators at the preschool, our volleyball teams gave the children some of the best memories they will have during this school year. They read, did arts and crafts, and played with them on the playground. Despite some of the physical and cognitive challenges that the children had, our NDCL girls could bridge the gap and connect with them in a way that left the teachers in awe as they observed all the laughter and interaction that took place. “It warmed my heart to know that these kids were feeling such joy and excitement just by playing with us,” said Reilly Parent, senior captain of the varsity team. “I know we are all so grateful for this opportunity, not just for the fun we had, but for the way the girls recognized how lucky we are to be able to do things like play a varsity sport. It can be easy to take that for granted, and this experience changed the perspective of many girls.”
Plans are already underway for the NDCL volleyball team to come back and volunteer at the Metzenbaum Center next year. We couldn’t be more proud of our girls, both for their community involvement and success on the court.
The Lady Lions will play on Saturday, November 4th, against St. Joe’s Academy in the regional finals.
