“The World Will Know” the Newsies Cast Cares

SBS sophomore Lauren Schweers, service project chairman for the upper school musical crew, first discovered Houston Angels through Mrs. Hedges' Nonprofit 101 class during Interim Term last spring. She learned about their mission to walk alongside children in the foster system and empower volunteers to serve in their community, and said, “I am passionate about Houston Angels because they provide consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building and mentorship to children in the foster care system.”

Upper school theatre students had an opportunity to learn more from the president of Houston Angels, Hannah Steen, as well assemble Valentine’s Day themed “love boxes” for six families under Houston Angels’ care. A “love box” is an outward show of love through practical necessities. The cast of Newsies collected masks, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, books, toys and other essential items for the families to include in the boxes, which were then delivered to the families on February 14.

Lauren explained more about the project. “We also made colorfully decorated posters, which may seem trivial to us, but mean so much to the children in foster care who receive them. For example, a poster my Nonprofit 101 class made last year for a child in foster care meant so much to her that she carried it with her through multiple moves. Though the walls of her surroundings changed, this child in the foster system took the poster with her to remind her that she is loved.”

Grace Lunsford ‘22 said the service experience was very eye-opening and humbling. She shared, “This opportunity to volunteer gave me time and clarity to stop and get into the mindset of giving back to others. I am so thankful that I could serve in a tangible way and make a connection with this part of our community.”

Similarly, Caroline Lane ‘24 described her experience volunteering with this project. She loved serving with her friends and agreed with Grace that it was an “eye-opening experience to provide simple items for these kids that we often take for granted. As a cast, I know we were blessed by this opportunity to serve kids just like us.”

The upper school musical cast members were thankful to their directors, Mrs. Blades and Mrs. Westmoreland, for giving them class time and rehearsal time to serve families in the Houston area through this meaningful service project that demonstrated our desire to love others through our caring community at SBS. 

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