“Compassion and action tie in beautifully,” Ms. Wright mentioned. “You cannot be compassionate about people in need and not take action to support them. Nothing in our world gets better by us having quiet compassion. We have to be active, and that’s what I help our students practice.” 

Ms. Wright has spearheaded numerous projects, both on and off campus, during her time at High Meadows, which began in 2012. In addition to The Sandwich Project, she has organized on-campus peace vigils, winter clothing drives, and many other activities. 

“Our students have great ideas, and their voices are important,” she said. “Students have to know that you value them and that they can come to you. High Meadows students are advocates for local issues, empathetic, and embrace the chance to contribute outside the four walls of their classrooms.” 

By leading service-oriented projects, she provides an avenue for students to make a difference in the community. Ironically, it was students who told Ms. Wright about The Sandwich Project. 

The Sandwich Project, a nonprofit organization, began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, 20,000 volunteers have made more than 1.6 million sandwiches, and the High Meadows community has played an integral part. 

Students participated in making sandwiches with a former teacher and told Ms. Wright about the important initiative. Inspired, by the students’ passion, Ms. Wright began participating, and now she coordinates several sandwich-making days per year for the HMS community.

“We make the sandwiches with love and care,” she noted. “For some people, it’s the only meal they’re going to have that day. To hear the students tell one another to slow down, show love and care, and make the best sandwich possible is heartwarming.” 

With each sandwich-making event, she sees new participants and returning volunteers alike. “The students come back because they know they made an impact, and they want to do it again. I even have kids make sandwiches at home and bring them in because they want to help the community. No matter where the delivery point is or how many times I have to drive to a donation location, it makes me smile. Our students know they are helping people, and it’s all worth it.” 

Compassion put into action is a beautiful thing. For more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Want to see our culture of service in person? Plan your visit to campus today!