Eleven students and two chaperones traveled to Louisville, Kentucky during the first week of Spring Break, where they partnered with Hand in Hand Ministries in the city’s Portland neighborhood. During their time there, the group helped build a wheelchair ramp at the home of a single mother and her son.

In addition to their service work, students explored the historic west Louisville neighborhood through hands-on experiences, including a public art scavenger hunt. They also spent time at DELTA (Developing Educated Leaders Through Athletics), a local afterschool program, where they played with and tutored K–8 students. The experience fostered quick connections and offered meaningful insight into the local community.

As part of the trip, students participated in a budgeting exercise, shopping for ingredients to prepare a “family” dinner. Many described the experience as eye-opening, as they carefully compared prices and made cost-conscious decisions throughout the process.

The group also visited several cultural landmarks, including the recently renovated Carnegie Public Library in Portland and the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville, where students engaged with exhibits through a team-based activity.

To further experience the local culture, the group attended a community potluck, sampling regional favorites such as the Hot Brown, and enjoyed dinner at a local barbecue restaurant.

On the return trip to Cleveland, the group stopped in Cincinnati to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. There, students explored the lasting impact of slavery on American cities and learned about modern-day human trafficking.

The trip provided a balance of service, education and cultural immersion, while also allowing time for bonding through games, conversations and shared experiences.