For the past three years, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and the Foundation to Be Named Later Boston Civic Engagement (BCE) Team have hosted a number of Lets Get Moving service days that have impacted many different schools across the city of Boston. So when we found out that Harvard Pilgrim was opening offices in Worcester, Mass., we immediately jumped at the opportunity to help them put on a service day to facilitate their integration into the community.

Doherty Memorial High School

Our service site, Doherty Memorial High School, first opened its doors in Worcester, Mass. in 1966. With a diverse population of 1,300 students, Doherty competes against seven other high schools in the city in sports and academics. A key component of the school is their outstanding athletic program, which has a commitment to respect, understanding and acceptance. However, due to budget cuts, the school’s facilities have suffered a major hit. As part of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care service day, we made it our mission to add more color – specifically the school colors – to their boy’s locker and weight room and the gymnasium.

With a small but very mighty crew of 20 volunteers and six BCE service leaders, we tackled the projects with energy and a clear goal in mind: to boost student and staff spirit through our service. The day itself could not have been more successful! The transformation in both the gym and locker rooms was incredible. At the end of the day, as athletes walked into the locker room, the looks on their faces were priceless. One even commented that the new mural of the Highlander, the school mascot, up on the wall will definitely foster more school spirit and pride among the athletes.

Traveling beyond Boston for this service day was a great way for us the BCE Team to change up our service while still doing what we do best.  Forming a connection with a new community was incredibly rewarding, and our new partnership with the Doherty and continuing relationship with Harvard Pilgrim has opened a very large door to a wider scope of service that our team can offer.

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