Service Learning
Enhancement Hero
Girls are
Compassionate
Living Our Values Through Service
At St. Mary’s, service is more than an activity—it’s a way of life. Rooted in our faith and character education program, The Bridge to Caring, students are equipped to make the world a better place.
Students learn about the importance of community service through hands-on experiences across Memphis and through classroom curriculum, chapel lessons, and student-led clubs.
By fostering traits like respect, responsibility, thankfulness, kindness, self-control, honesty, courage, and cooperation, we empower students to turn their values into meaningful action.
Student Led Service Organizations
St. Mary's Community Fund
Since 1998, the St. Mary’s Community Fund has granted over $700,000 to more than 50 local organizations benefiting children in the Mid-South. This student-run organization not only promotes philanthropy and community service, but also provides hands-on experience in fundraising and grantmaking. Members volunteer within funded agencies, learning firsthand the impact of their efforts.
The Wilson Society
The Wilson Society empowers students to lead impactful service projects in Memphis. Each year, students apply for a grant from the Wilson Family Foundation to address community needs. From designing and implementing a service plan to evaluating its success, members gain invaluable experience in project management and philanthropy while completing 40 hours of community service annually.
Constance Crew
Inspired by the Sisters of St. Mary's who sustained the school through two yellow fever epidemics, Constance Crew connects students with meaningful off-campus service opportunities. Monthly service trips expose students to marginalized communities, highlighting how their efforts can create lasting change.
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Community Connections Class
In 7th grade, students take Community Connections, a course created in partnership with MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association). Through this program, students explore pressing local challenges like homelessness and food insecurity, while participating in service projects such as volunteering for MIFA’s programs and organizing donation drives.
Service from the Start
Service begins early at St. Mary’s, with Lower School students learning to embody their faith through projects benefiting local nonprofits. By understanding community needs, even our youngest girls begin to see how they can make a difference. Through hands-on activities and guided reflection, they discover the power of empathy and the importance of lending a helping hand.
Recognizing Service: The Century Award
Established in 2022, the Century Award celebrates students who dedicate 100 or more hours of service annually to their communities, exemplifying St. Mary’s commitment to making a difference.
During our work at MIFA, my classmates and I learned the value of teamwork and cooperation. We would have never completed the number of boxes that we did without working together. The same could also be said for service on a larger scale. I have learned that much more could be done with a foundation of collaboration and partnership.Lyla Furlong ’28