This month on Club Spotlight, I had the privilege of hearing from the leaders and members of one of NDP’s most beloved clubs, the Refugee Youth Project! The leaders of the club, Linsey Cody, Ava DeCapite, and Mr. Pomplon, share the impact they have felt and witnessed as a part of this community united in action and love.
Senior president, Linsey Cody, has been on the leadership team for two years, and vice-president, Ava DeCapite, joined her this year. Both incredible leaders have learned the impact of kindness, authenticity, and gratitude, and shared what this means for them and the community.
What do you think is the most important thing for NDP girls to know about RYP’s efforts?
L: I think the most important thing for NDP girls to know about RYP’s efforts is to be there for all the kids. We are there to educate, socialize, and love all the RYP children. Our mission is to help in any way and make all the kids feel loved while also serving as mentors.
A: I think the most important thing for NDP girls to know is that there are so many ways you can impact the lives of the students and their families. We show up and help with tutoring, playing with them, but the most important job we have is just to be fully present with each kid that we spend time with. The kids absolutely love that they get to be the center of someone’s attention in that moment. Just because we have to make sure they get their homework done fully doesn’t mean that there aren’t moments that are silly and fun.
What was your favorite memory or the most impactful event you participated in with the club?
L: My favorite memory was last year when I got to meet a boy named Yusef through RYP. He was a fifth grader last year and was the person I looked forward to seeing every week. He would get bullied by some of the other boys, and I am so glad I was able to let him know he is loved and deserved so much more. He was so kind and brightened my day no matter what was going on. Moravia Park only goes through fifth grade, but I still think about him every time I go to RYP and the impact he has made on my life.
A: My favorite memory isn’t just one specific event that has happened, but multiple. For starters, my absolute favorite thing that happens is when we are about to walk into the cafeteria when we get there, and we can hear all the way from down the hallway, “the girls are here!” and them getting excited before we even walk in. Then, after we walk in there are at least five kids at my side every time hugging me and shouting my name to come sit with them, which is really impactful. In addition, the kids ALWAYS remember you. Even if you only helped them with their homework once, they always seem to remember your name and everything about you that they had figured out that last time that they saw you.
Mr. Pomplon, the moderator, shared some background about the beginning of RYP in 2010 and of the future events that NDP offers the kids.
P: We now host RYP twice on campus each year, and each winter, the RYP students participate by designing a dress for Project Greenway. This summer, we will start our first summer camp program: a women’s empowerment week with middle school students, organized by our own Abigail Kehoe. RYP’s impact on our community is undeniable – every sign-up has a waitlist. The emotional impact is something sacred – it is hard to communicate what it feels like to witness our students reuniting with their RYP friends each week. These are life-changing bonds on a global scale.
Finally, for an added perspective, I heard from senior Teal Swanson about her RYP memories with a boy named Umumbu:
T: When I first met Umumbu, he was extremely quiet and shy and just kept to himself. Over the weeks, I got to know him, and he turned out to be so funny, never failing to brighten my day. He would always wait for me and had the biggest smile on his face every time we came to Moravia. My favorite part of coming to RYP quickly became watching him become more comfortable being himself and becoming more confident in his schoolwork. When RYP ended, it was so hard to say goodbye to Umumbu, but I am beyond grateful for the time we got to spend together!
These memories show just how important the work that RYP does is. Even if you are not a part of the club this year, I encourage you to understand their work and consider volunteering your time during your NDP career. Every moment of service towards these children strengthens and supports them, something that the NDP community is very proud of. RYP thrives because of the effort that is put in, and I am honored to be able to highlight that commitment!