For the Class of 2026, service at Gilmour Academy became more than a requirement — it became a defining part of their experience.

Over the course of their high school careers, seniors logged an impressive 10,186 hours of service, a number that reflects only the time they formally recorded and reflected upon. Those hours represent countless acts of compassion, generosity and engagement with communities both near and far.

Even more telling is how deeply students embraced the mission: 82.5% of the class exceeded the required 60 service hours. What may have begun as a checklist for many students evolved into something far more meaningful. It became a personal journey shaped by reflection, awareness and growth.

Among this remarkable class, Roma Alvarez ’26 set a powerful example, completing 306.5 hours of service — the equivalent of more than seven weeks of full-time work dedicated entirely to others. Her commitment stands as a testament to the impact one student can make through sustained dedication.

Yet the story of the Class of 2026 is not just about numbers. It is about transformation.

As one senior reflected, experiences that initially felt like simple acts of helping others became opportunities to better understand complex challenges such as food insecurity and inequity. Service opened their eyes to broader systems at work and, more importantly, to their own capacity to make a difference.

Other moments of service were smaller in scale but just as meaningful — helping a teacher, supporting a mentor, or giving back to someone who had made a difference in their lives. These experiences reinforced an important truth: service is not defined by size, but by intention and impact.

Through the St. André Bessette Service and Justice Program, students were challenged to step outside of their comfort zones, encounter new perspectives, and reflect on their role in building a more just and humane world. In doing so, they grew not only as students, but as people.

Class of 2026, thank you for living the mission and bringing hope to others in such meaningful ways.