School Spotlight: Huntington Place Elementary

Huntington Place Elementary Turns Student Passions into Purpose

What happens when students are given the opportunity to turn something they care about into a way to help others? At Huntington Place Elementary, the answer is Passion Projects, a student-centered initiative that encourages children to discover their interests, identify needs in their communities, and take action to make a difference.

Passion Projects began with a simple question: What if students could use their passions to create meaningful change? The school wanted learning to extend beyond the classroom and give students authentic opportunities to see themselves as people who can positively influence the world around them. Students begin by asking themselves what makes them happy, what makes them sad, what they wish they could change, and who or what they want to help. Their answers lead to a variety of projects supporting causes such as animals, children, families, veterans, the environment, and their local community.

More than a service project, this initiative gives students ownership of their learning. They identify something meaningful to them, learn about the issue, set goals, take action, and reflect on the impact of their efforts. Along the way, they develop empathy, confidence, perseverance, and responsibility. Students who may not typically see themselves as leaders have found their voices and discovered that their ideas can inspire others.

Assistant Principal Tiffany Burch shared that one of the most important lessons students learn is that they don't have to wait until adulthood to make a difference. When students connect with a real need and take steps to address it, character becomes more than a classroom discussion. They experience what it means to be a problem-solver, a leader, and a change maker.

Passion Projects also bring Huntington Place's Wildcat Way to life. The school wants students to be kind, responsible, respectful, resilient, and willing to make a positive difference. Through their projects, students practice these traits in authentic ways; for example, showing perseverance when plans change, following through on commitments, and considering the needs of others.

Burch hopes every student leaves Huntington Place believing they have both the ability and the responsibility to make their community better. As she explained, “They don't have to wait until they're older, more successful, or more powerful to make an impact. They can notice a need, care about it, and take action.”

The Hope Institute celebrates Huntington Place Elementary for creating meaningful opportunities for students to put their character into action. Passion Projects demonstrate that when students are empowered to pursue what matters to them, they can discover their potential and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. That's the Wildcat Way, every day!