The Gunston School recently hosted its annual Civic Learning Day, dedicating a full day to experiential learning that moves civic education beyond the classroom, engaging the entire student body in hands-on community service, career exploration, and critical discussions on current civic issues. The goal was to inspire students to embrace their roles as informed, active, and responsible citizens.
“Our Civic Learning Day is a cornerstone of The Gunston Experience, moving civic education from theory to practice,” said Head of School John Lewis. “By combining meaningful service work with direct exposure to public service professionals, we empower our students to understand and embrace their critical role in building a stronger community and a healthy democracy.”
The day was anchored by a robust schedule of community service. Groups of students traveled off-campus to assist key local partners, including Haven Ministries, where they sorted donated food items and organized warehouse space, and Tides of Grace, where they helped sort donated toys and assemble new storage units. Students also visited the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County to see the inner workings of a courtroom, and visited other local government buildings and departments. Simultaneously, teams on Gunston’s campus managed a mix of environmental and humanitarian work. This included essential projects like replanting the pollinator garden, establishing a new garden in front of the AB/Field House, and packaging goods for regional non-profits.
Humanitarian efforts focused on preparing sandwiches and healthy snack packages for Lighthouse Annapolis, assembling food packages for MidShore Meals til Monday, and preparing over 200 customized care bags for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, students processed collected shoes for transport to Rukundo International.
The afternoon transitioned into a comprehensive Career Tracks program, connecting students with a diverse roster of professionals who exemplify public service. Students engaged with more than 12 speakers from national and regional organizations, including the Office of Naval Intelligence, the US Department of State, a US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander, an Air Force Pilot working for the Pentagon, the CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy, a Family Nurse Practitioner from Choptank Community Health, and more.
“There were 12 parent volunteers leading sessions,” explains Director of Belonging & Community Dr. Ryan Asprion, who planned the day’s events. “Our students really love getting a firsthand perspective on how their passions could possibly translate into impactful careers across government, health, environmental science, law enforcement, and the non-profit sector.”
The day concluded with student and faculty-led discussion sessions, fostering civil discourse on important modern topics ranging from Environmental Justice and the Evolution of Women in Politics to Media Literacy and “Your vote, Your power.”
“Civic Learning Day reinforces one of the school’s core values,” said Dr. Asprion, “and that is to prepare students to be ethically and environmentally minded scholars, citizens, and leaders for a globalized society.”
Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.
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