On Saturday, May 5th, I participated in my very first One Bus, One Cause event to help the students of John R. Wooden High School for their Annual Pancake/Waffle Breakfast Fundraiser. What makes JRWHS unique is their community farm that students clean and maintain without any government funding. As a continuation high school with only 5 teachers, the motivation and dedication of the students shine through as they gather together and fundraise to help support their local farm.
With the one-to-one volunteer-student ratio, volunteers not only helped with serving breakfast, but also bonded with students over math problems, mask-making, face painting and volleyball. Coach John Wooden’s daughter, Nan Wooden, was also in attendance at the event. Volunteers were truly left inspired by the end of the day, including Jamen Garcia, President of the sorority Alpha Delta Chi, who spoke with the school’s principal to have her sorority participate in mentoring the students. Following Coach Wooden’s recommendation to “make each day a masterpiece,” volunteering at John R. Wooden High School inspired me to continue to make a difference in my community.