Making An Impact Through Service: September Spotlight

Each month during the school year, Kent Denver highlights two Upper School students who are making a positive impact through their community service. In our first installment of the 2026-27 series, discover how two Sun Devils found their calling pursuing causes they’re passionate about.

When it came to fulfilling his service requirement, sophomore Brecken P. knew he did not want to spend all 80 hours indoors.

“I like outdoor activities like skiing and mountain biking,” he said. “I just think it’s a lot of fun being in nature and listening to all of the trees and animals and wildlife.”

So when Brecken learned about Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC)—a community of volunteers that cares for the state’s trails, forests and public lands—he knew it was a perfect fit.

Last year, as a 9th grader, Brecken joined VOC’s Cairn Program, a nine-month youth leadership and environmental stewardship opportunity where students take part in monthly outdoor activities and hands-on projects.

“We fix up trails; we did a barbed wire fence removal,” said Brecken, who’s earned 62.5 hours with VOC. “In the winter, there’s a shelter building activity where we had to build ourselves a shelter in the snow, and that was really fun.”

Besides being outdoors, Brecken also enjoyed that this program was done in a group. Even though he initially didn’t know anyone, he made connections quickly—even reconnecting with someone he hadn’t seen since elementary school.

“I think volunteering is better with other people,” Brecken said, and he encourages other Sun Devils to find opportunities where they can branch out. “It’s good to do original things, to learn new perspectives.”

Junior Reina K. agrees. Through her involvement with Breakthrough Denver and St. Luke’s Hospital, she’s learned the importance of being kind and empathetic to everyone.

“Through volunteering, you get to interact with other people and see more perspectives and learn about things you might not have as good of an idea about without that experience,” she said. “We’re benefiting from our community, so why not give back to it?”

Reina served with Breakthrough’s Summer Program before entering 10th grade. For three weeks, she spent time with a group of 7th graders as part of the “red family.” By helping in classes, dancing during lunch and spending free periods together, she got to know the students really well. For Reina, creating those connections turns community service from a requirement into a memorable moment.

“I don't feel like I'm doing it necessarily to get hours; it’s more like I want the experience,” she said. “I want to give back to my community, and I feel like volunteering is one of the easiest ways to do that, especially as a teen.”

She’s been able to weave her passion for helping others with her interest in the STEM field by volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Ronald McDonald Room, a place where patient families can relax and refuel. This past summer, she spent almost every other day there, greeting families and keeping the fridge and snacks stocked.

“I really love interacting with people, and I can learn about their stories,” Reina said, remembering one mom she met who traveled from Wyoming to receive care for her child. “You can't assume anything about anyone based on what you can see. Everyone is going through stuff, and being empathetic and kind is really helpful for them.”

Reina has earned 188 community service hours during her time at Kent Denver—more than double the school’s graduation requirement. With 80 from St. Luke’s alone, she has a personal goal of reaching 100 hours at the hospital. That would allow her to apply for a Teen Leader role. Like Brecken, her advice to fellow Sun Devils is to find an organization that’s meaningful to them.

“It’s especially easy to get volunteer hours if it’s at a place you enjoy working at or it’s with an organization you feel passionate about helping,” Reina said. “Then it doesn't feel like you're doing work, it’s more like you’re having a fun time or a good experience.”

Congratulations to Brecken and Reina for completing their 80 hours of community service! To learn more about Kent Denver’s commitment to social responsibility and impact, please visit our website.