What happens when eighth-grade students are challenged to answer two of life’s biggest questions—“What Matters?” and “When Should I Take a Stand?” At HHCA, the answer looks a lot like middle schoolers stepping into leadership roles, using their voices to champion local causes, and learning firsthand how their gifts can serve the greater good.

This spring, a powerful partnership between Mrs. Tatro's 8th Grade ELA class and Mr. Dale's Social Studies class has sparked an inspiring, inquiry-based service initiative. Students are diving into pressing Lowcountry issues, discovering community needs, and designing innovative ways to respond.

What makes this project so special is its real-world relevance and relational depth. The unit began with a visit from HHCA’s very own Mrs. Labrot, who introduced students to the heartbeat of nonprofit work in our area. From there, students began exploring the mission and impact of local organizations, many of which they’ve invited into the classroom to share their stories.

Over a three-week period, HHCA students will host a lineup of nonprofit leaders from across Beaufort County. Already, they’ve had the honor of welcoming Dr. Mary Olodun from LowCountry Legal Volunteers and Russ Spicer from the Lowcountry Foundation for Wounded Military Heroes, each sharing powerful stories about justice, sacrifice, and service.

But this isn’t just about listening—it’s about leading. Each student is responsible for corresponding directly with a nonprofit representative: inviting them to visit, coordinating schedules, welcoming them warmly at Mrs. Higgs’ desk, and following up with a thoughtful, handwritten thank-you note.

These conversations are more than academic; they’re personal. As students encounter the needs of our community, they are prayerfully considering how God might be calling them to respond. Through this process, they’re crafting collaborative service initiatives—original proposals outlining how HHCA might partner long-term with these organizations to make a lasting, Kingdom-minded impact.

Community service and non-profit work is one way to stand up for our community and make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us. The goal in this project is to expose students to as many opportunities as possible in order to help them discover where they are passionate about pouring back into our community and to help them see that there so much more to life than living for oneself.

- Jessica Tatro, HHCA Middle School ELA Mentor

Other nonprofits on the schedule include the Boys & Girls Club, Family Promise, First Tee of the Lowcountry, Heroes on Horseback, Young Life, and Habitat for Humanity. 

This cross-curricular project empowers students to synthesize skills in research, rhetoric, civic engagement, and faith-driven leadership. It’s a beautiful reminder that in middle school, HHCA students are already making a difference.

Stay tuned as these young leaders present their final proposals and inspire us all with their vision for a better, more compassionate Lowcountry.