Under the warm April sun, students from Bishop Gorman High School stepped beyond their classrooms and into the community for their annual Sophomore Service Day on April 21. Trading textbooks for hands-on impact, the sophomore class spent the day volunteering across the Las Vegas area—supporting local nonprofits, assisting those in need, and putting their faith into action through service.
Students were divided into groups and sent to various service sites throughout the city, each offering a unique opportunity to give back. One group volunteered at Opportunity Village, a long-standing organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There, students spent their time engaging directly with participants—playing games, creating art, and forming genuine connections that went far beyond a typical school day.
”I played a bunch of games and drew pictures for people with disabilities,” Canon Mullen ‘28 said. “I met Travis—he was 34 years old—and it was awesome to meet him and get to play games with him. It was incredible to see how much of an effect our service does and how simple acts of kindness can put a smile on people’s faces.” Reflecting on the experience, Mullen added that the day helped put his own challenges into perspective, reminding him how small his problems can seem compared to the struggles others face.
Other students traveled to Three Square Food Bank, where they took part in assembling and packaging meals for families facing food insecurity across Southern Nevada. Through their efforts, students contributed to an organization that provides millions of meals each year, helping to address a critical need in the local community. The fast-paced, collaborative environment allowed students to see firsthand how even a few hours of service can make a tangible difference.
”I don’t think I realized just how many people were struggling to get food on the table,” Mya Patel ‘28 said. “Packing meals like we did today helps eliminate the stress factor of finding and paying for food.” Patel continued to explain how the hands-on nature of the service made the issue feel more real and personal, motivating her to stay involved in service opportunities in the future.
A third was Catholic Charities, where students took a more hands-on role in directly serving those in need. From preparing meals to distributing food, students worked closely with staff to support individuals experiencing homelessness, gaining a deeper understanding of both the challenges faced by others and the importance of compassion in action.
”I spent the day cooking meals and handing them out to people in need,” Ella Prigger ‘28 said. “It wasn’t just about giving food—it was about making connections and showing people they’re seen and cared for.“ She reflected on the deeper impact of the experience, adding, “Service like this reminds me that God is always present, working through the people around us. It made me realize how powerful it is when a community comes together to support one another, and I really appreciate how Gorman encourages us to live out our faith through service.”
By the end of the day, students returned not only with a sense of accomplishment, but with a renewed understanding of the impact they can have. Whether through a shared laugh, a packed meal, or a simple conversation, the sophomore class learned that service is not just an obligation, but an opportunity to grow, connect, and make a lasting difference.
