Ravens in all three divisions took the opportunity to lead through service in the month of October, supporting neighbors in need and giving back to the community. Here’s a recap of three projects — two of which were done in partnership with alumni — that have made a difference across the state and right here at home.

Ravens Organize a Relief Drive for Western North Carolina

As reports of the widespread flooding, landslides and damage from Hurricane Helene emerged in the days following the late-September storm, students, faculty and staff leapt into action to collect supplies for affected residents in the North Carolina mountains. Inspired by several Upper School student groups that wanted to help, the schoolwide supply drive took place between Oct. 4 and Oct. 11, with extra bins placed outside during the community events held on campus Oct. 4.

Drawing from a list of needed supplies provided by the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, members of the Ravenscroft community showed their generosity and compassion, filling six large pallets with items including over-the-counter medications, baby formula and diapers, batteries, non-perishable foods and pet supplies plus one large pallet laden with bottled water. 

Ravenscroft partnered with alum and current parent Michael Anderson ’98 of Fred Anderson Toyota to get the school’s donations delivered to the North Carolina mountains.

“Within hours of Hurricane Helene reaching Western North Carolina, we realized that we needed to get immediate support to our 353 associates, and their families, living in the Asheville area. We were fortunate to call upon and receive an overwhelming response from our employees and countless friends across the Carolinas,” Anderson explained. “The response from the Raleigh community, including Ravenscroft, was so great that we quickly met the needs of our people and were able to provide support to the greater Asheville community. Fred Anderson Toyota became a drop-off point for donations, and we transported them to one of our locations in the Upstate of South Carolina, where we then distributed supplies to Asheville.”

Head of School Derrick Willard noted that the way the entire community came together to help people in need gets to the heart of what Ravenscroft is about. 

“In moments like this we appreciate our community members leaning into Lead From Here competences — to see staff and students be empathetic, resourceful and adaptive in meeting others’ needs,” he said. “I am grateful for the leadership of Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Jennifer Davis and Director of Facilities Chris Farrow for heading up our efforts and for the partnership with Fred Anderson Toyota to help the communities of Western North Carolina.”

Lower School Makes Care Cards for Western North Carolina

Ravens alum Allexia Brewer ’83, who runs the High Country Greek restaurant in Boone, North Carolina, saw a need for hope and joy in her community amidst the devastation following Hurricane Helene. She launched @GreeksForGoodNC to fund and distribute meals in her community and put out a call for people to send “care cards” that she could give out to residents in the area. 

Ravenscroft’s Alumni Engagement Officer Emma DeMent ’16 brought Brewer’s project to the Lower School, where eight classes jumped at the opportunity to get involved, creating dozens of cards and notes expressing support and encouragement.

Fourth-grade teacher Bernadette Fox said she found the opportunity particularly meaningful. 

“Being from The Bahamas and experiencing major devastation from a hurricane, I thought it was important to talk with my students and do something together for the people of Western North Carolina,” she said. “After learning more about Hurricane Helene and realizing children had lost their belongings and were out of school, my students were excited to write cards. They did an amazing job sharing words of encouragement. Our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Helene, and we hope we helped encourage them and let them know that they are not alone.”

“We are so inspired by Alexxia’s determination to provide both hot meals and cards that show just how many people are thinking about this hurting community,” DeMent said. “Being able to support her efforts and engage our Lower School Ravens in a fun and meaningful project was really rewarding for our department.”

Middle School Day of Service

On Oct. 28, Middle Schoolers once again put their citizen leadership competencies into action with their fall-semester Day of Service. The morning began in Jones Theatre with a keynote from UNC-Chapel Hill student Sonali Ratnasinghe, who started a nonprofit in September 2020 (when she was just 16 years old) to connect high school students with organizations working to address causes they’re passionate about. Her nonprofit, General Services Foundation, also trains young people and provides them with the tools and skills they need to become changemakers in their communities.

“Sonali was fantastic,” Day of Service faculty organizer Renee Pitchford said. “She kicked off the day with an inspirational talk about young people having the voice and power to change the world.”

Ravens in sixth, seventh and eighth grades then fanned out across campus and the community to volunteer at local organizations including Marbles Kids Museum, Diaper Train, Activate Good and Terra Bella assisted living community. Several groups engaged in projects that supported hurricane relief efforts as well.

“Over the last two years, I’ve enjoyed my visits with the residents of Terra Bella. I enjoy spending time with them playing bingo and making crafts,” Emma Grace Stansell ’30 said. “I particularly love hearing stories from one of the residents, Maxine, who is over 100! My time at Terra Bella has reinforced in my heart the importance of everyone, no matter their age.”

“What they do at Note in the Pocket is simply amazing. They help people who are less fortunate get clothing for their kids,” Mason Fanning ’29 said after sorting clothing donations there with some classmates. “I really recommend trying to volunteer if you can because it is a very fun experience and it will feel very rewarding.”