Community Service with Kai Berry

“I like the idea of words being sometimes less blunt, so that people can relate their experiences and make universal relations.”

KaI Berry (center) with fellow Drama Club members Morgan Talud (left) and Ellie Fisher (right)

By Amelie Zucker, Student Media Director

One of the core foundations of the Montessori and Peter Gruber International Academy Programs is service. Throughout their educational career, students are encouraged to interact with their community and peers to benefit those around them, and, indirectly, themselves. This service journey culminates in student’s junior and senior years with ‘CAS’ (creativity, action, and service) projects. However, their contributions go far beyond just what is required. We had the opportunity to talk to Kaiyn Berry, a senior in the PGIA, about her service work. 

Kai joined the PGIA in her junior year; last year. However, she attended the Montessori program until third grade, and she in part attributes her love of helping others to this time. Since she’s returned to Montessori, she’s gotten right back into service.

In her junior year, she volunteered with Learning Specialist Ms. Bennet to assist in her ‘Dino Digging’ club for Montessori students, as she knew she had a love for working with children. 

This year, her senior year, Kai has continued this interest by creating a club of her own; the “Marine Adventures Club” is open to Montessori students in 1st through 5th grade. It has eight students, and each week they delve into creative projects like virtual aquariums, learning sessions, presentations, and more.

“The kids have loved it and it's been super fun” she shared. “I’m passionate about working with kids and helping them learn in fun, creative ways.”

Next week, Kai says the club participants will be doing dioramas on marine and freshwater ecosystems that will culminate in a presentation from each of the students. In addition, she has donated all of the proceeds from the club; which amount to over $1000; to the Nana Baby Home. 

Another community service project Kai has undertaken with the Montessori kids is assisting Ms. Helen in weekly dance classes, being a role model and teacher to the kids.  

Kai said that these clubs and volunteer experiences have helped her decide on her career path, which will be part of the human services track. She wants to be an Occupational Therapist specializing in behavioral issues, and has an internship with JS Therapies to get some real-life experience.

“It’s been super fun, and expanded my horizons. With Occupational Therapy, I can work with just born babies, mothers after birth, and people who’ve undergone surgery, and more. In my internship, I’ve interacted with children and their mothers to be able to help the kids as best as I can.”

the student “poeTREE” wall

In addition, Kai has created a ‘PoeTREE Wall’ in the upper campus for students to share their creativity.

“When I was younger, I always struggled with expression and speaking in front of people. I always found that writing was a lot easier for me, and so when I first learned about poetry it got me extremely excited and engaged. I like the idea of words being sometimes less blunt, so that people can relate their experiences and make universal relations. I wanted to share that with the PGIA community.” 

All students can also attest to Kai’s willingness not only to help younger students, but everyone. Fellow classmate Divina Kamra spoke to a time when her car broke down and Kai woke up early for three weeks to drive her and her sister to school. “Kai is an extremely generous, considerate, and thoughtful person,” says Divina.

“Everyone who knows her is lucky to have her in their lives.”