This week’s Service Showcase was a vibrant celebration of student-led service education and meaningful community engagement. Now in its third year at SD, the showcase has evolved to proudly feature our expanded service programming, including the Eighth Grade Capstone Projects and the 10th Grade Marin Sea Level Rise Initiative, along with the annual 12th grade presentations of our seniors’ ROSE (Real Opportunities for Service Education) projects.

“The Service Showcase embodies SD’s commitment to student-led service education,” explains K-12 Service Education and Leadership Coordinator Kathy Hagee, “with students presenting research findings, actions taken, and project outcomes through interactive displays. This peer-to-peer education model creates a dynamic learning environment where students teach one another while developing crucial communication skills and confidence.” Projects this year spanned diverse topics from social justice and equity to environmental conservation, reflecting the real-world relevance of students' endeavors.

It was very humanizing for me being a delivery angel for Ceres (organic meal delivery for people who have cancer). Ceres doesn’t leave anybody behind in delivering healthy meals. It also gives me hope because people are doing good in the world.
Jackie I. ’25 spent four years as volunteer teen chef and delivery driver for Ceres Community Project.

 

I have a passion for storytelling, and writing and illustrating a graphic novel normalizing LGBTQ themes was a much bigger project than I thought it would be. It’s very rewarding to be on the verge of publishing it, which I am planning on doing today.
Jacob E. ’25, storyteller and soon-to-be published author

 

My favorite part of the service project was building a Habitat for Humanity house in Puerto Rico, visiting a coffee plantation, and meeting the owner, who became like a second mother to me. I learned that you don’t need luxury around you to be happy. What we all need most is those you love nearby.
Alex B. ’25 renovated a Habitat for Humanity house in Puerto Rico

 

I’m passionate about environmental science and how we can positively influence wildlife care and rehabilitation. Learning more about the human impact on wildlife was my key takeaway from volunteering at Wildcare.
Emma B. ’25 spent two years volunteering at a local wildlife hospital and educational center.

 

During my time coaching soccer and basketball with kids from low income neighborhoods, I developed close relationships with kids who love sports just as I do. I chose this project because I think sports can change lives.
Arthur M. ’25 conducted basketball and soccer clinics in Brazil and was a mentor to young athletes.

"The Service Showcase perfectly aligns with San Domenico's core values of Study, Reflection, Community, and Service," continues Hagee. "Students explored meaningful issues through academic inquiry, reflected on personal connections, and took action with compassion."

Looking ahead to next year, we are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025–26 Julie Davis Butler Scholarships. Established in 1988 by classmates and family members, this award honors Julie Davis Butler, a 1959 San Domenico graduate who dedicated her life to service, community, and family before her untimely passing in 1987. “The scholarship provides funding for student-led service projects, leadership development, and opportunities to deepen commitments to peace, social justice, and selfless love,” shares Hagee. “These are the very qualities Julie embodied.”

The 2025-26 recipients are:

Kirsten P. ’26 – Garden of Hope Hydroponics System
Eliza D. ’26 – SD Thrift Store/Prom Closet
Elena R. ’26 – Launching Literacy
Oliver Y. ’26 – Bucket List: A Senior’s Wish
Rowen Z. ’26 – Community Clean-up

Congratulations to all our students for their remarkable work and leadership!