For the fourth year, Glendale Prep [1] has partnered with the Glendale Fire Department [2] to make donations to Toys for Tots [3]. This partnership includes a visit from the large fire engine to receive the donated new, unopened, unwrapped toys from the senior class during one of their mini senior retreats.
Seniors at Glendale Prep [1] enjoy mini senior retreats throughout their last year of high school, where they enjoy a fun activity together and take time to appreciate the virtue of friendship. But during the second quarter mini retreat, seniors also get a hands-on lesson in the virtue of generosity.
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The Glendale Fire Department [2] was a big part of making this effort special. They arrived at the retreat in a fire engine to collect the donated toys, which they will distribute through Toys for Tots [3] to bring smiles to the faces of deserving children in the greater Phoenix Metro area. Working alongside the local fire department made the experience even more meaningful for the seniors and displayed the strong connection between the academy and the community services that support their neighborhood.
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Glendale Prep [1] Headmaster Rachel Janssen says the exercise impacts more than just the seniors. “It really is the opportunity for them to lead our school and show our underclassmen and our middle schoolers what it what it means to come together and gather for those that are less fortunate and give to children who benefit greatly from these toys,” she explained.
“We brought all sorts of different toys,” explained Allison Wright, a senior at Glendale Prep [1]. “Everyone had a variety of different things for different ages and all different interests. It was really cool to see everyone come together and donate toys for other kids.”
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“Human thriving, human happiness is the moral and intellectual virtues,” explained Assistant Headmaster Conal Tanner. “And one of the moral virtues is generosity – giving of the abundance that you have to those that are more deserving and those that are in need.”
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Through this ongoing partnership with the Glendale Fire Department [2], Glendale Prep’s [1] seniors get the opportunity to live out the virtues taught in the classroom. By leading the school in generosity and service, seniors set a powerful example for younger students while making a real difference in the lives of children across the Phoenix area. It’s a tradition that continues to strengthen community bonds and remind everyone involved that even small acts of giving can have a lasting impact.
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