Knightly News

By the time Episcopal students graduate, they have participated in a variety of service learning experiences, from Habitat for Humanity builds and Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry food drives to teaching dance and performing for nursing home residents. These experiences are intentional and powerful and help students live lives of purpose. Now, there is an Upper School course that attempts to put service learning in perspective, shedding light on why people are in certain situations and why it is important to be of service.

Senior Jayden Hiles says he has “nailed a few boards and packaged a few foods,” and the new Service Learning and Community Impact course provides him a sense of who that service impacts. “It opens your eyes and makes school-required services more meaningful,” he says.

Veteran educator Dr. Rebecca Kuhn and Archdeacon Charlie deGravelles, known by the Episcopal community as Chaplain Charlie, teach the course. According to the class description, the “course examines barriers to a just world, as well as religious, ethical, and public policy responses to inequality, through both a social science and theological frame.” Dr. Kuhn says the course pushes the students to reflect and think about what they’ve learned and who they are. “We want them to get to know themselves,” she says. “Service becomes part of who you are, but you’re aligning it with your identity and values.” Students have regular journal assignments where they reflect on what they’ve learned and topics such as wellness and how service fits within the Episcopal school mission.  

The Service Learning and Community Impact course is a student-led learning endeavor. At the beginning of the semester, students expressed interest in learning more about the criminal justice system, housing and homelessness, and mental health and addiction. “The class is about why it happens,” says senior Lily Hayden. While the topics are heavy, Lily says Dr. Kuhn approaches everything with a positive attitude. “It empowers you as a learner, student and community member,” says Lily. “You learn how impactful one person can be.”

In addition to class discussions and journal prompts, students learn through meaningful field trips and guest speaker appearances. The first field trip provided students the opportunity to learn more about the Parole Project as they heard stories from those who have benefited from the organization’s assistance. Class members also joined students from English 4 for a visit to the Russell B. Long Federal Building and United States Courthouse. An incredible panel was put together, including the Middle District’s United States Attorney, Ronald C. Gathe, Jr.; United States Marshal, William T. “Bill” Brown; Chief Federal Public Defender, Marci Blaize, and Chief of Probation and Pretrial Services, Clarence Rambo, III. District Judge John deGravelles moderated the discussion. Students asked questions and learned more about the criminal justice system from experts working in the field.

Being part of such a powerful learning opportunity is inspiring for Chaplain Charlie. “This takes it to a different level because we’re putting it into an academic framework,” he says. He says it’s important that tomorrow’s leaders “develop relationships with people in the community that are doing frontline work.” Dr. Kuhn is equally awed by the experience. “It’s a privilege to be able to teach a class like this and spend time with students and the broader world,” she says.

Both Jayden and Lily plan to continue service efforts beyond graduation. They say education is critical to understanding such complex issues and the potential solutions available. The Service Learning and Community Impact course seeks to help students discover their role in service and the impact they can have. It’s a powerful example of the thoughtful and deep learning experiences offered by Episcopal faculty and a testament to the Spirit of Episcopal.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.