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Fellowship Project Inspires Community-Wide Giving Effort

Fellowship Project Inspires Community-Wide Giving Effort
Fellowship Project Inspires Community-Wide Giving Effort

At Old Trail School, meaningful learning often extends far beyond the classroom. For eighth grader Dorothy Mendelson ’26, that meant turning compassion into action.

As part of Old Trail’s Middle School Fellowship in Creativity program, Dorothy (pictured above, far right) designed and led a service project focused on supporting teens experiencing homelessness in the region. Partnering with Bellefaire JCB, a local organization that serves vulnerable youth, she organized a schoolwide donation drive aimed at meeting the unique needs of adolescents—especially during the warmer months.

Thanks to Dorothy’s leadership and the generosity of the Old Trail community, the effort made a remarkable impact. Together, students, families and faculty donated more than 600 items for teens in need. Contributions included essentials such as sunglasses, sunscreen and Liquid I.V. hydration packets—thoughtfully chosen items to help young people stay safe, healthy and comfortable during the summer.

Dorothy’s project reflects the heart of the Fellowship in Creativity program, which empowers students to explore their passions and make a difference in authentic, meaningful ways over the course of their seventh and eighth grade years. By identifying a need, building a community partnership and mobilizing support, Dorothy brought her vision to life while helping others in a tangible way.

Her work is a powerful example of what happens when curiosity, empathy and initiative come together—hallmarks of the Old Trail experience.

Through projects like this, Old Trail students continue to show that even small acts, when done together, can go a long way.

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