Spotlight on Philanthropy

List of 3 items.

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  Laurel Alumnae Unite for Sarah Lyman Day of Community Service

  Every September, Laurel alumnae across the country come together to honor Sarah Lyman Day with meaningful acts of service. This year, their efforts were nothing short of inspiring.
  
  

  In Chicago, Laurel alumnae and their families volunteered at Cradles to Crayons, the largest national nonprofit dedicated to ending Children’s Clothing Insecurity. Together, their work will impact 240 children in the Chicago area.
  
  In Cleveland, alumnae and their children braved the pouring rain to clear trees and plant new ones at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes' Grow Not Mow site. This event celebrated both Sarah Lyman Day and National Public Lands Day.
  
  For those unable to attend in person, we offered a virtual way to give back by supporting For the Flow, a nonprofit founded by Laurel Senior Natalia Navarro ’25. Dedicated to eradicating period poverty in Northeast Ohio, For the Flow focuses on action, advocacy, and education.
  
  These collective acts of kindness demonstrate the power of the Laurel alumnae network to make a difference in their communities, near and far. Thank you to all who participated this year—you truly embody the spirit of service that Sarah Lyman Day represents.
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  Laurel’s Sixth Graders: Leading by Example in Giving Back

  Before the school year even began, Laurel’s sixth-grade class made a meaningful impact by coming together to pack food at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Over 25 students and family members joined forces for an evening of service, demonstrating the spirit of generosity that defines our community.
  
  

  Reflecting on the experience, Olivia K. shared: "Volunteering at the food bank was a great way to kick off the start of middle school. I felt proud and happy that my friends and I were able to pack food for kids in need. It was amazing to see all of the things that the food bank does in helping people in our community."

  
  Last night, the Laurel Class of 2031 returned to the food bank for another evening of service, deepening their connection as a community while making a difference for others. Their actions remind us of the incredible impact that can be achieved when we come together to support those in need.
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  Celebrating Julia’s Mission to Empower Vietnamese-American Youth

  At Laurel, we believe in the power of young leaders to create change—and junior Julia Duong’s story is a perfect example. Inspired by the voices of the Vietnamese community in Greater Cleveland, Julia founded Flourish, an organization dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and supporting Vietnamese-American youth.
  
  

  Julia shares: "I started Flourish after hearing requests from the Vietnamese community for a youth group. I built on that idea to create a unique organization that meets the needs of our peers and reclaims the narrative of the Vietnamese-American experience here in Cleveland."

  
  Flourish focuses on fostering a safe, supportive space for young Vietnamese Americans while equipping them to achieve their dreams. The organization also utilizes its online platform to educate others about the challenges facing the Vietnamese community and ensure representation in media.
  
  From food drives to cultural programming, Flourish is already making a tangible impact. Julia’s dedication to service embodies the Laurel mission of bettering the world and reminds us all of the power of young people to lead meaningful change.
  
  This GivingTuesday, let’s celebrate students like Julia who turn vision into action. Together, we can amplify the impact of those working to make a difference in our communities.