Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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The bell finally rings its solemn ring 3:35, as if to free Gilman students from their long and rough day of academics, but send them on to an equally tough athletics. Masses of students’ tiredly head off to practice, and after that go home to prepare for a new but identical day. Gilman students get so caught up in a routine that they can’t see beyond that routine, they can’t see other dealings in the Gilman community. Behind the scenes of Gilman some people don’t drench themselves in their own schedule, but look beyond their own life, trying to help lives of others. Namely, Mr. Vishio is one of those few. He doesn’t become engrossed with himself, but rather spends most of his time participating in service and social justice projects. For one week we followed Mr. Vishio around, eager to find out about what he does that most of the time goes unnoticed.
Day 1- Senior Leader Program Lets face it, entering into a new environment can be difficult. It is a big step up from middle to high school. There are tougher teachers, classes, and a far lot more responsibility. Mr. Vishio realizes the difficulty underclassmen may face and that is why he set up the senior leadership program. Dara Bakar, an active member of program says, “Our goal is to provide underclassmen with additional help outside of seeing their respective teachers.” Dara goes on to further say, “Sometimes an explanation from a peer who knows the material is more insightful and student friendly than one from a teacher.” When asked about the success of the program, Mr. Vishio replies, “The Senior Leadership Program continues to thrive from numerous volunteers from the junior and senior class.”
Day 2- Christmas Food Drive Yet another winter season has come upon, and with it Mr. Vishio once again led the Christmas food and toy drive. Students were encouraged to donate anything from non-perishable cans of food to slightly used toys. The food drive had a tough start, but after many reminders donations started to come through. After a visit to the Grocery store by the freshman class, the drive ended quickly. Mr. Vishio said, “The Christmas Food Drive as usual proved successful, however students in general are not as enthusiastic regarding the event.”
Day 3- Lunches for the Homeless Mr. Vishio, still concerned with feeding others, heads Lunches for the Homeless. Lunches for the Homeless gathers volunteers and meets every Wednesday in the second floor common room to eagerly contribute in providing many other people with a meal. Mr. Vishio is very proud of the participation from students and remarks, “Lunches for the homeless has a strong group of participants each Wednesday afternoon. The students helping generally have a positive outlook on what they are doing to contribute. The program continues to thrive under senior leadership from Andrew Koch, Ben Delwiche, and Jun Yamaguchi. Gi Lee, a junior, said, “Lunches for the Homeless provides the unique opportunity for Gilman students to give back to the Baltimore community.” With this concept in mind, students work together every Wednesday to do their part in helping out the community.
Day 4- Christopher Place Ms. Desantis’ and Ms. Hammer’s fridges in their office are being overloaded high with pans of chicken, meaning only one thing, Mr. Vishio is going to Christopher Place. From Christopher Place individuals who were previously homeless are able start a new life. Christopher Place offers education, housing, spiritual support, and help in finding a new career When asked about this new opportunity of going to Christopher Place Mr. Vishio replies, ”Gilman students are currently adding another service activity to their repertoire of good works. So far, a small but motivated group have cooked and served dinner to participants in a program at Christopher Place, located in the Our Daily Bread building.
From the New York Times:
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