By Mrs. Margaret Price, Assistant Dean of Students for Multiculturalism, Leadership, and Student Programs
Montverde Academy Upper School students are invited to participate in on‑campus service projects twice a month, typically on the second and fourth Saturday morning of each month, creating consistent opportunities to serve others while living out the Academy’s core values. Recently, students partnered with AdventHealth volunteer coordinators for the No Sew Heart project, an initiative centered on providing comfort and encouragement to patients and families during moments of stress or healing.
Through this project, students created handmade fabric hearts to be distributed throughout AdventHealth units, including the ICU, medical surgery, and imaging. These hearts, often accompanied by comforting notes written by students, are shared with patients or family members who may be experiencing anxiety or uncertainty. For AdventHealth, the partnership serves as a meaningful reminder of the power of small acts of kindness.
Cristine Rojas, AdventHealth’s Volunteer Program Manager, reflected on the impact of the collaboration: “We absolutely appreciate the students from Montverde Academy who take time to serve. Sometimes, if a parent goes in for imaging, we give the heart to their child to help ease anxiety. Although we don’t have a pediatric floor, some hearts go to children who are visiting loved ones in adult units. I’ve given a heart to a patient and returned the next day to see them holding it in bed. It’s warm, cozy, and includes a comforting note from the students—support that makes a real difference for patients who need a little extra care. This is truly a special project.”
Students also shared reflections on what the experience meant to them, highlighting both joy and personal growth through service.
“This No Sew Heart project was fun, knowing that it will have a positive impact on others,” shared freshman Samriddhee Baishya.
“This is a meaningful project where I am able to share my love for helping others,” added sophomore Hung Lam Quoc Nguyen.
For sophomore Isadora Casagrande Santiago, the project expanded her perspective: “This project allowed me to become more aware of different ways to help children in hospitals.”
Junior Maria Mora Valenzuela reflected on the importance of simple gestures:“This project helped me see how even little things like this can help others feel better.”
The No Sew Heart project exemplifies how regular service opportunities can foster empathy, connection, and purpose among students while making a tangible difference in the wider community. Through partnerships like this one with AdventHealth, Montverde Academy continues to cultivate a culture of compassion, leadership, and care.
