Student Club Brings Speakers to Campus

Last year, Crossroads students formed a Free the Children club to support the work of the nonprofit organization of the same name. Free the Children empowers young people to advocate for sustainable development and combat issues including poverty and lack of access to education across the globe.

On Oct. 13, the club brought representatives of the nonprofit to campus to speak at an assembly filled with eighth- through twelfth-graders. Two Kenyan high school students discussed their experience attending a school built by Free the Children, relishing their opportunity to receive an education that is all too rare for girls in rural villages. Another Kenyan speaker, Mama Helen, explained how she earns a living creating and selling bracelets and purses through one of Free the Children’s partner programs, and shared the pride she feels in providing for her family.

Crossroads’ Free the Children Club has roughly 30 members. Last year, the club raised $1,000 for the nonprofit through a variety of fundraisers. Planned fundraiser events for this year include kickball games, a 5K color run and a Halloween food drive.

Jack Schoenfeld ’16 is the president of Crossroads’ Free the Children club. He was heartened by the response to the assembly, noting that “so many teachers and students, friends and strangers came up to me expressing their gratitude and new interest in the club.” He was particularly happy to welcome the dozen new students who showed up at the next club meeting. “I am so excited for all our new members to join in this cause,” he says.