Amy Waild and the GGI group she facilitates knew they wanted to do something more. They were learning more about the school's norms of respect and responsibility, but wanted to reach out to others in the community. Not only would this allow them to aid in the needs of people outside of the Randolph Academy walls, but it would also allow them to build their self-esteem, feel better about themselves, and to realize they have the ability to make others feel better, too.

The group has taken on numerous projects throughout the year, but one really touched them the most. Their visits to the Randolph Senior Citizen Home, which take place once per month, made all the students feel special.

Prior to making their first trip to the Senior Home, the students spent time learning to play card and other games. Their goal was to entertain the residents, and allow them to have fun while interacting with the GGI members. They also decided their visits would include healthy cookies provided by the Academy's vocational team's Cookie Cutters.

Initially, according to Ms. Waild, there was resistance by some of the students about the visits, and how they would be received by the senior residents. All of these concerns disappeared, though, after the first visit. The students couldn't wait to return to see the "special friends" they had made and to spend more time with them. Many of the students involved either didn't have grandparents currently involved in their lives, or hadn't had experience interacting with older individuals. Seeing these adults on a regular basis turned out to be a great way to foster relationships with another generation. Ms. Waild described one student in particular, who was very resistant to getting involved with the Senior Citizen residents at first, but who wound up making a point of running back in after the group had left to give one of the adults a hug before returning to the school.

Other projects Ms. Waild's group has been involved in include food drives, mitten drives during cold-weather months, and collecting items for various area residents who are in need.

Ms. Waild summed up the group's activities by saying, "The students have become very excited and creative about their community service and hope to continue making a difference in their world."