Gathering the Heads of Build Day 2025
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In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, various student-led initiatives have been making a significant impact on the community. One such organisation, the College of the Holy Cross's Working for Worcester, has been at the forefront of these efforts.
The Latin American Student Organization recently hosted the 24th annual Noche Latina at Mechanics Hall on April 13th, 2024, under the theme "The Unfolding Family Tree: Las Fuentes del Pasado Alimentando Nuestras Raíces." This event, like many others, was documented by Amelia Ciarleglio '27, the Features Editor for the college's news, who also captured images for some of the events.
Another notable event was the Peace of Mind Night Market, held in the Loyola Ballroom on February 23rd, 2024. Students could "travel around the world" at this market, sampling diverse cuisines and shopping local artisanal goods. The event, which ran from 5:00-8:00 PM, brought together thousands of Worcester college students for a night of community and cultural celebration.
The College of the Holy Cross' Athletics also participated in community outreach, holding their annual "Pink the Rink" event on February 1st, 2024, at the Luth Athletic Center. This event aimed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
One of the most impactful initiatives, however, was the Working for Worcester team's efforts. Founded over a decade ago, this student-run organisation has been making meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of children in Worcester. Their projects range from the construction of playgrounds to the creation of library spaces for local elementary schools.
The 2025 Build Day was a testament to their success. On April 5th, 2025, Holy Cross students, including Max Kudinov, the site manager for Roosevelt Elementary School, came together to contribute to community service projects. Kudinov was particularly moved by speaking with a Consigli worker whose child uses a wheelchair and was able to use an ADA-accessible swing installed by Working for Worcester.
Kay McNamara, a Holy Cross junior and the Chief Operations Officer of Working for Worcester, described the meaningful impact of the organisation during her time at Holy Cross. McNamara has been involved with Working for Worcester since her freshman year and helped build a playscape at Worcester's City View Elementary School.
While specific details about their 2025 activities are not available from the provided sources, it is known that Working for Worcester typically engages students in community service projects focused on improving local neighborhoods, including restoration and enhancement of recreation spaces in Worcester. These efforts often involve collaboration with community organisations, cleanup projects, and development of public spaces to benefit local residents.
For more detailed information about their 2025 activities, contacting Holy Cross or Working for Worcester directly or checking official Holy Cross student organisation announcements would be advisable.
- The events hosted by student organizations at the College of the Holy Cross, such as the Latin American Student Organization's Noche Latina and the Peace of Mind Night Market, provide opportunities for cultural exploration and community gatherings.
- The College of the Holy Cross' Athletics also contributes to the community by participating in events like "Pink the Rink," which aims to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.
- Beyond events, student-led organizations like Working for Worcester make sustained impacts on the community through initiatives like constructing playgrounds and libraries, and restoration and enhancement of recreation spaces.
- Ongoing community service projects undertaken by Working for Worcester, such as the 2025 Build Day, have a lasting, positive effect on local neighborhoods and residents, including providing ADA-accessible facilities.
