This past Sunday, friends and family from both campuses laced up their skates at the Dwyer Rink at Hotchkiss School for our annual All-School Skating Party. Historically, this event has raised awareness and funds for international educational organizations, but this year our efforts were focused within the United States.

 

Led by our Community Service group, IMS partnered with the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP), which was created by our very own Kate Collins Faber ’88 and her husband. Based in Zuni, New Mexico, ZYEP promotes resilience among the Zuni youth so that they will grow into strong and healthy adults who are connected to the Zuni traditions.

 

We are thrilled to announce that this year, we raised $500 for ZYEP. Co-advisor of the Community Service Program Sheryl Knapp explains, “I am really excited about where our proceeds will be going this year. We have always supported an organization that directly impacts other children, and we are glad to have found the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project. It was such a joy to see our IMS community of all ages coming together to skate and embrace such a good cause.”

 

Of the event, Colleen O’Reilly, Co-Advisor of the Community Service Program, shares that the willingness of students to embrace a new activity brings out the best in our community. She says, “Year after year, I am amazed by the transformation in attitude that the kids have about getting on the ice. The energy and enthusiasm as soon as you walk through the glass doors of the rink is contagious. Kids and adults are continuously reaching out to borrow, share, and swap skates so everyone has an opportunity to get on the ice! Experts and beginners alike enjoy the company of friends and the casual feel of this great all school event!”

 

If you happen to have an extra pair of skates lying around, please consider donating them to IMS to be used at this annual event and down at the outdoor ponds.

 

Special thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a success.