During Benet’s 2026 spring break, twelve students and four teachers had the chance to engage in service tasks designed to help the residents of rural Virginia. This trip to Appalachia consisted of a minivan caravan to McClure, Virginia, where Benet students built and repaired homes in an area where help was greatly needed and appreciated. A typical day on this trip called for the repair of railings and decks, as well as interior adjustments. The students on the trip took pride in knowing they were making life a little bit better for the people of Virginia.
As they started the nine hour journey to western Virginia, students were broken up into two groups with two teachers each. Upon arriving, students were able to participate in the Mass. Afterwards, they drove to the Binns-Counts Community Center, their home for the week. Throughout the week, workers taught Benet students how to be as efficient as possible. Painting, building decks, and building support beams were typical activities of service. Sophomore Aldo Bolanos, a member of the 2026 trip, said, “The work was hard, but it was so fun and at times very informative.”
Students were able to partake in a variety of activities, ranging from square dancing in town to hiking the nearby mountains, which granted them the incredible opportunity to partake in hobbies that are not as easily accessible in the Chicagoland area. After completing rewarding work, the group traveled to Breaks Interstate National Park. Soon after, they visited the nearby town of Clintwood, where they drank coffee and thrifted. Finally, the students and teachers stopped by the Virginia-Kentucky border and ate smores and honey roasted potatoes, cleaned a bridge, and went dancing to live bluegrass music while interacting with a group of senior citizens. Sophomore Aidan Lile, another member of the trip, shared, “I was completely free and detached from anything going on back home, and it was a dream come true with everyone I got to make friends with.”
All the members of the trip agreed that this experience transformed the way that they saw the community around them. They hope to return on the trip someday, continuing to give back to individuals who really need help.
