Margaret Mead said, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have.” History is made up of every day people who contributed to society. Some of these people contributed positively and some negatively.  As we learn about those who positively contributed, we see that they are people who looked outside of themselves and had a desire to improve their circumstances. In many cases they couldn’t do it alone; they needed the support from those around them.

8^th grade is a time when students are making choices that will affect their future. They are forming habits and ideas about the world around them. The “Power of One” is not just about the power of one person to make a difference, but it shows that as people become one in a united effort they can be a force for good. Thomas Paine said, “It is not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies.”  Service allows students an opportunity to contribute positively in a small way, but as they unite their efforts with the service of their peers they are making a significant contribution to the world around them. 

The great historian of our time, David McCullough said, “At their core, the lessons of history are lessons of appreciation. Everything we have, all our great institutions, our laws, our music, art and poetry, our freedoms, everything is because somebody went before us and did the hard work, provided the creative energy, faced the storms, made the sacrifices, kept the faith.”

As a history department, we believe there is no better way to show appreciation for what you have and who you are than to serve those around you.

 “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi