Despite Pandemic, Students Find Ways to Serve and Learn in the Summer

Summer 2020 was unlike any other for most of us. However, students at Palmer Trinity School have kept busy learning new skills and hobbies at home, as well as giving back to the community in different ways. 
Many students learned to cook, drive or play games that were new to them. They honed their athletic and artistic talents, while also increasing their competency in computers and technology.  
All these summer activities have served to make our students more well-rounded, and provided some much-needed fun during quarantine. At PTS we believe that curiosity and creativity are important elements in the learning process.
“[My summer was spent] reading, writing, participating in program centered around trial advocacy, whilst also developing an interest in musical journalism and rock-n-roll history,” said Ana Sofia Guinand ’22.
Rafael Morin ’25 learn about what it means to be patient during this time, and Victoria Enriquez ’27 found that she could help her family at home—such as helping her sister with her homework. 
We were happy to see so many students live out another one of our guiding principles this summer: service. 
Though the opportunities for volunteering were limited this summer due to COVID-19 restrictions and closures, our students found innovative ways to give back to the community. 
Aidan Levy '21 realized most efforts to battle pollution in South Florida focused on beach cleanups, and not many addressed areas closer to home:
“In the later half of July, I decided to begin picking up trash left along the streets of my neighborhood, aided by my sister on some occasions. I helped my neighbors by creating a more clean place to live, as well as the local wildlife, making it safer for them to live in the neighborhood. I was never really made aware of how bad the issue was until I got out there and began picking it up. The amount of trash seemed endless, even in areas that were clean upon first glance.” 
With an equally keen eye for environmental stewardship, Sara Ramos ’22 also participated in beach and water clean ups, and taking the time to “advocate for the climate crisis.”
Junior, Jack Sulkes volunteered as a “lookout” at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, ensuring all visitors wore masks, followed directional signs and social distancing protocols.
Students also found time to volunteer from home.
Morella Niembro ’23 found a way to help those in need in Venezuela by donating 50% of her earnings to an organization that provides resources to the young, elderly and less fortunate.
For six weeks this summer, PTS students also served at Breakthrough Miami’s virtual summer program. 
“I did Breakthrough when I was younger, so I really love this program,” said Sinaya Sadler ’22. Volunteering this year left an impact on Sinaya’s life, because “it showed me that people could still gather together despite what’s happening in the world today.”
“Even though we’re in the midst of a global pandemic, I wanted to be a part of something that would give these kids something to make their day or their summer more enjoyable,” said Hannah Baron ’22. 
“I was left with a sense of joy knowing that I was able to be a part of something that gives these kids a reason to smile, to laugh, and just to have fun.”
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