![Class of 2026 embraces final day of Serviam during Senior Week]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779212437/ursulinerochelle/lmdsdce12yfilqrioatu/MADD2026-15.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779212437/ursulinerochelle/lmdsdce12yfilqrioatu/MADD2026-15.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779212437/ursulinerochelle/lmdsdce12yfilqrioatu/MADD2026-15.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779212437/ursulinerochelle/lmdsdce12yfilqrioatu/MADD2026-15.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779212437/ursulinerochelle/lmdsdce12yfilqrioatu/MADD2026-15.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779212437/ursulinerochelle/lmdsdce12yfilqrioatu/MADD2026-15.jpg","width":2200}])
Under bright blue skies and warm sunshine, the Class of 2026 spent Monday, May 18, helping others across Westchester on Ursuline's annual Make a Difference Day.
As part of Senior Week activities, the soon-to-be graduates spent the day working with children, seniors, and local nonprofit organizations while also taking part in environmental and creative service projects rooted in St. Angela Merici's enduring call to serve. The wide range of service experiences reflected the many ways to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and in local communities.
"This class has always been willing to step up and give their time to others. It’s wonderful to see them come together one more time to live out the spirit of Serviam."
- Ms. Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator
At Monarch Coopers Corner, students gardened and helped beautify outdoor spaces for residents at the senior living facility. At Wartburg, students played yard games and shared conversations with senior residents.
Other groups worked at HOPE Community Services, where they assembled care packages for locals in need, while others worked with young children, both inside and outside the classroom, at Kol Ami Preschool and Weekday Nursery School.
Jane Hickey '26 chose to work with children, something she also enjoys as a summer camp counselor.
"The 4- and 5-year-olds were so cute," Hickey said. "I really enjoy connecting with younger kids and helping them feel comfortable and supported. It felt special to extend the Ursuline sisterhood to them, too."
Chiara Addeo '26 has been part of the Ursuline school community since sixth grade. Addeo, who is majoring in nursing at James Madison University this fall, said Ursuline offered her countless opportunities to grow through athletics, including cheerleading and service.
Julianna Albanese '26, also a sixth-grade survivor, describes this final week at Ursuline as bittersweet. "I've really seen myself grow here," she said as she tossed a ball with toddlers. Albanese '26 feels nostalgic and grateful. "At Ursuline, there are so many ways to serve. My experience here has helped me imagine a future helping others." She plans to work in family law someday.
Close friends Adrianna Ibrahim '26 and Camila Leon '26 began high school elsewhere before ultimately finding themselves drawn to Ursuline and its culture of service. Both students shared that the school offers opportunities to explore new interests, become involved in clubs and activities, and grow within a supportive community of classmates, teachers, and mentors.
"At Ursuline, there are lots to choose from," Ibrahim said. "It’s not forced at all. You can really find yourself here."
Leon added that Ursuline's Serviam culture stood out to her.
"There's a culture of care at Ursuline. As part of the National Honor Society, I love tutoring younger students. I also love service projects like this one," her eyes fixed on a toddler who was pretending to scoop ice cream for her. "I just love Ursuline and all the friends I've made here."
Additional projects included a "Painting for a Cause" initiative benefiting Art2Heart and environmental cleanup at the Larchmont Reservoir, where Ella Herspring '26 helped clear debris and create a gravel walking path. This project was a natural choice for Herspring, who connected the experience to lessons from her AP Environmental Science class.
"It's nice to help improve the local environment," Herspring said. "I’ve gained a much deeper respect for it this year."
The annual Make a Difference Day was organized and led by Service Coordinator Ms. Jennifer Schassler with the support of the senior class advisors. Schassler speaks for the group: "Our students develop a genuine commitment to service here," she said. "This class has always been willing to step up and give their time to others. It’s wonderful to see them come together one more time to live out the spirit of Serviam."
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