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"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" - Luke 12:48

For the past 22 years, the graduating class of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina has traveled to the Rural Mission on Johns Island to assist in the improvement of the living conditions of some of the poorer residents of the South Carolina Sea Islands. It is a fitting "final exam" for young people whose school's mission statement espouses stewardship, inclusivity, and respect for the dignity of every human being.

Leaving home the Friday prior to their Commencement and returning on Tuesday, the entire senior class, along with teachers and sometimes parents, share their time and talents with the less fortunate. While the young people pay the cost for room and board, all of the money for materials are raised by the students themselves, through sponsorships by businesses, families, and friends as well as fund-raising activities and events. This year's total approached $9000. The work is intense, demanding, and exhausting: reshingling roofs, laying foundations, replacing structural damage in walls and floors, laying insulation, painting, constructing ramps and porches, and there is still much to be done after the students leave. As the class works together one last time before they scatter all over the country to college, they come away reinforced in their faith, their understanding, and an impelling commitment to their fellow man that they will carry throughout their lives.

Class of 2010 Johns Island Mission Work

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" - Luke 12:48 For the past 22 years, the graduating class of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina has traveled to the Rural Mission on Johns Island to assist in the improvement of the living conditions of some of the poorer residents of the South Carolina Sea Islands. It is a fitting "final exam" for young people whose school's mission statement espouses stewardship, inclusivity, and respect for the dignity of every human being. Leaving home the Friday prior to their Commencement and returning on Tuesday, the entire senior class, along with teachers and sometimes parents, share their time and talents with the less fortunate. While the young people pay the cost for room and board, all of the money for materials are raised by the students themselves, through sponsorships by businesses, families, and friends as well as fund-raising activities and events. This year's total approached $9000. The work is intense, demanding, and exhausting: reshingling roofs, laying foundations, replacing structural damage in walls and floors, laying insulation, painting, constructing ramps and porches, and there is still much to be done after the students leave. As the class works together one last time before they scatter all over the country to college, they come away reinforced in their faith, their understanding, and an impelling commitment to their fellow man that they will carry throughout their lives.