Junior Lucy Eusebio (left) examines a chicken in a photo posted on the LEAP Instagram feed.
The holiday season is commonly characterized by receiving gifts and spending time with loved ones. Some students have gone above and beyond in taking action to give back, not just for the holidays, but year-round.
Junior Lucy Eusebio piloted the Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet (LEAP) program with Rancho Compasión in Nicasio. LEAP is an educational program that takes place at animal sanctuaries across the country with an emphasis on showing compassion towards living creatures.
“I believe everything that’s living deserves an equal opportunity at life.”
– Lucy Eusebio
Junior
“My cousin who volunteers at a sanctuary up in Sonoma recommended me for it,” Eusebio said. “I really love farm animals and I’ve always had a passion for farm work… I just wanted to learn more about that.”
With LEAP, Eusebio worked with animals, did community outreach, and learned about the effect animal farming has on the world and what could be done to help.
Eusebio realized how her contributions to the farming industry were making a negative impact and didn’t want to support it.
“I realized I could no longer separate the food on my plate from the compassionate and living animals I loved interacting with,” Eusebio said. “I believe that everything that’s living deserves an equal opportunity at life.”
Junior Amy Dhein poses handing a cup of steaming tea to a “customer”.
Junior Amy Dhein has made an impact on the Novato community through her work with New Life Church. She has volunteered with her youth group, Movement Youth Culture, since eighth grade, and is the president of San Marin’s Jesus club.
Dhein enjoys volunteering because she loves its community. She works at her church’s café where she makes drinks and works the cash register, and has also taught kids in New Life’s children’s ministry. A project she is particularly proud of is helping organize an Easter egg hunt for them.
“I set up a backdrop for our family photos; I also helped set up eggs around the field so that the kids [would] have something fun to do,” Dhein said.
“I bring people joy and a place of belonging…”
– Amy Dhein
Junior
Through the job-like experience, Dhein feels she has gained important values from social skills to working under pressure. “Through my volunteering, I bring people joy and a place of belonging to all ages, from toddlers to adults,” Dhein said. “Whether that be through a simple cup of coffee, a warm smile, or having a conversation.”
