At Ursuline, we take great pride in living our motto of Serviam, "I will serve." Our rich tradition of service first piqued the interest of Ms. Jennifer Schassler, our new Service Coordinator and Physical Education teacher. The seasoned educator, a former college soccer player, takes a team approach to service. Relocating to Westchester County after a 10-year stint at Marymount High School, an independent Catholic school in Los Angeles, Schassler was excited to find a role that combined her two passions, athletics and service.
Her face lights up when describing her previous service work with students.
“We had a project called ‘A Place Called Home,’ she shares. “An afterschool initiative that looked after at-risk inner city kids and provided them a safe place to learn and play. I loved when students who went through the program came back to volunteer. Service is like that. Once they see the good, they want to be part of putting it out there for others.”
It’s evident that Schassler has found a calling in helping young people realize that they can be instrumental in making a meaningful difference by serving those in need. One of her main goals this year is to actively engage our school community in impactful service. From planning larger-scale projects like International Serviam Day 2025 to organizing smaller initiatives like environmental clean-up efforts, Schassler will model for Ursuline students how to be proactive in answering Saint Angela’s call to serve.
Working alongside Dr. David Gelpi, Director of Mission and Formation, Schassler finds that there is a lot of good work that needs doing and emphasizes the merits of starting small and always being open to new ideas. “It’s like growing a business in a way. Starting small with some fresh ideas and gaining momentum with input from those around you.”
Gelpi agrees, “Service is at the heart of our community; when we take the time to lift others, we not only change lives but we also inspire a cycle of compassion and growth. Ms. Schassler wholeheartedly embraces the meaning of Serviam, and during her short time here, she is already making a positive impact.”
Schlassler finds that connecting students with their God-given gifts and interests and encouraging them to find ways to use their talents for the betterment of the community is like a superpower that surfaces when compassion and action rise to the occasion.
Case in point.
Saturday, November 9, student leaders Meredith Gordon ‘26 and Marin Kulsar '26 led the charge as over 200 Koalas took part in the 2024 Westchester Polar Plunge in Rye, NY, to benefit Special Olympics. The event pulls in students from schools across Westchester County. In many ways, it’s a unifying experience where Ursuline students are active in getting out of their comfort zones and doing something together to raise awareness and funds for a common cause.
It’s exciting to be a part of something that provides such a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie. Together, our school community can make a meaningful impact.”
- Ms. Jennifer Schassler, Service Coordinator
Schassler is encouraged by the turnout and looks forward to facilitating more service opportunities for Ursuline students. Says Schassler, “It’s exciting to be a part of something that provides such a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie. Together, our school community can make a meaningful impact.”
Gelpi echoes the sentiment, “Serviam is love in action. What could be better than that?”
Looking ahead, we will begin collecting frozen turkeys, sides, and canned goods for Ursuline’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Our turkey drop-off date is Monday, November 25. In addition, specific food items will be collected by grade and may be dropped off earlier. More details to come.
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