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Gilmour Students Learn Through Service During Fall Break
Over Fall Break, Gilmour Academy students and faculty traveled to Oberlin, Ohio; Kermit, West Virginia; and Phoenix, Arizona, for service immersion experiences that connected classroom learning with community engagement. Through historical tours, hands-on service and meaningful conversations, students explored the challenges and strengths of the communities they visited while putting Gilmour’s commitment to hospitality, compassion and service into action.
Exploring History and Justice in Oberlin
On October 15, Gilmour students traveled to Oberlin for a day focused on the town’s rich history and its enduring commitment to justice and equality.
The group began at First Church in Oberlin, learning about its history and connections to the Underground Railroad, before touring portions of Oberlin College’s campus and exploring the institution’s early commitment to racial integration and educational opportunity. Students also visited downtown Oberlin to learn how local businesses have shaped the community, enjoyed a farm-to-table lunch at the 1833 Restaurant and explored fair-trade practices and service opportunities at The Hope Collection. The day concluded at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, where students viewed a range of works, from ancient artifacts to contemporary paintings.
For Ryan Moore '27, the experience offered a deeper understanding of the courage required to stand up for justice throughout history.
“Firstly, this experience was both Competence through the touring and Courage through the fair trade shop. I feel that The Cross was best exemplified in the extensive history of Oberlin, as the people constantly put themselves at risk during the Fugitive Slave Act, and were brave to fight in the Civil War and even later wars like the Vietnam War. The town shows a resilience in fighting for justice and equality, and being able to understand that through the tour was a profound experience for me.”
Discovering Community and Culture in Appalachia
In Kermit, West Virginia, 11 students and two chaperones traveled to Big Laurel Learning Center for an immersive experience centered on community service, Appalachian culture and sustainable living.
Through hands-on activities and opportunities to learn directly from the people and traditions of Central Appalachia, students explored the region’s environmental and cultural heritage while gaining a deeper appreciation for community resilience. The experience encouraged students to slow down, ask questions and connect with others in meaningful ways.
One sophomore described the personal impact of the trip, sharing how the experience rekindled a sense of curiosity and renewed a long-standing passion for astronomy.
“I didn't just grow as a person there, I rekindled something I lost a long time ago. I can't remember the last time I was so genuinely happy with myself but I felt so good while there.”
Reflecting on the opportunity to step away from everyday routines, the student continued:
“I've always wanted to be an astrophysicist, studying the stars, but I hadn't stopped to look at them really in years because of school, friends, and everything else life has thrown at me, and when I was there we slowed down a bit, and I remembered why I wanted to study space.”
The reflection captured the lasting value of immersion experiences: making connections, discovering new perspectives and finding room to reconnect with personal interests and aspirations.
Serving the Community in Phoenix
In Phoenix, 10 Gilmour seniors and two faculty members partnered with Andre House, an organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Students put service into action by cleaning facilities, sorting donations and serving nutritious meals to community members in need. Through their work, they gained a closer understanding of the role local organizations play in addressing community needs and supporting their neighbors.
After a week of service and learning, the group concluded its trip with a visit to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, experiencing the natural beauty of the Southwest.
Across all three trips, students encountered opportunities to listen, learn and contribute. Whether exploring Oberlin’s history of social justice, building connections in Appalachia or supporting community members in Phoenix, students experienced the importance of approaching others with curiosity, compassion and a willingness to serve.
Learning Beyond Campus
These experiences reflect Gilmour Academy’s commitment to educating the mind and empowering the heart.
By stepping beyond campus and engaging with communities in meaningful ways, students strengthened their understanding of the world and discovered new ways to live out the values of competence, courage and compassion.
By stepping beyond campus and engaging with communities in meaningful ways, students strengthened their understanding of the world and discovered new ways to live out the values of competence, courage and compassion.
