Photo: Maria Dolcett-Koros (left) and Maeve Botham–Immaculata students making a positive difference (photo by Carina Urbani).
Immaculata High School students Maeve Botham and Marie Dolcetti-Koros live the words of human rights and peace activist, Mahatma Ghandi, who said: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
The two passionate and driven Grade 11 students have worked on social-justice issues for four years, culminating this year with a student-led initiative called Write for Rights.
Maeve and her family had been involved in Amnesty International’s social-justice letter-writing campaign at their local church. After talking about it with Marie they thought it would be a perfect fit for students at Mac
“Putting pen to paper seems like a simple act, especially when you go against corruption, big government and policy,” Marie said. “However, as you see more people involved, you see how it can make a difference.”
Not only are these young women involved in a variety of social justice activities such as Think Fast, a fundraiser for development and peace, as well as Christmas baskets for families in need of support, they are active in the school’s environmental club. In fact, they just helped finish the school’s Enviro Games.
“The games help to raise awareness, improve recycling practice and increase environmental literacy,” said Ms. Van Sickle, science teacher and Environmental Club supervisor. “As well, they will most likely help us achieve our silver star rating for this year.”
Ms. Van Sickle also coaches the girls on swim team. She is impressed with their overall involvement in the school.
“They are committed, engaged, eager to take on challenges and do things,” she said. “If you ask them to do something it will get done.”
Both students are grateful to teacher mentors such as Ms. Van Sickle, Ms. Daly, the school chaplain and Mr. Letts, the head of the Religion department for their help and support.
“I would not be who I am without this school and people like Maeve,” Marie said. “We push each other. We share a great competitive spirit to do our best.”
“Once you start getting involved it lends itself to getting involved in other things,” Maeve added. “School is not only about classes and homework. It makes things so much more fun.”
Immaculata High School has a long-standing tradition established by the Grey Sisters of helping others. Like their peers before them, Maeve Botham and Marie Dolcetti-Koros are making a positive difference in the world.
