Maryknoll students give back during day of service at Waimea Valley Visitor Center

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – About 140 middle school students from Maryknoll School spent a day giving back to the community at the Waimea Valley Visitor Center.

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Earlier this week, the students worked together on gardening projects around the center to care for and deepen their appreciation for Hawaii’s environment.

Middle school teacher Anne Sylva said it was a good experience to get her students out of their comfort zone.

“I’ve had kids that, haven’t really been out and gotten their hands really dirty before, and touching dirt and pulling weeds and so I think for them it was a little intimidating but at the same time a great experience that they actually got to do something, come out of their comfort zone, and contribute back and learn just a little bit,” she said.

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The day of service also helped the students live out Maryknoll’s long-standing motto, “Noblesse Oblige,” which means “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

School officials hope to help students put that into action through service and stewardship.

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