Students Take Part in Appalachia Service Project

Last week, a group of eight CBA students traveled to Lee County in the southwestern corner of Virginia to provide help for the Appalachia Service Project.

The Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is an organization that brings thousands of volunteers from around the country to rural Central Appalachia to repair homes for low-income families. It is a Christian ministry that is open to all, with the goal of making “warmer, safer and drier” homes for those who need them.

The ASP mission is very similar to that of CBA and the Brothers of the Christian Schools in that these communities share the value of making all individuals feel accepted, support the fair and just treatment of people, and believe in serving those who are less fortunate.

When the CBA group arrived, they made an initial home visit to their job site. The poor condition of this home motivated the Academy men to make the most of their four days at the site. For two whole days, the students installed a brand new floor in the living room, stained a newly constructed porch, and painted the exterior of the house.

Through this experience of hard work, the boys bonded with each other, but also were educated on why there is so much poverty in this specific region. The area relies on the coal mining industry to provide jobs, but there is less and less need for expansive coal mining crews. Meanwhile, the coal industry has polluted the air and water, while also contributing to the painful black lung disease for many workers.

The students were accompanied by faculty chaperones Mr. Ciro Saverino and Mr. Charles Rooney.

About Christian Brothers Academy:
Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through the combined efforts of the Office of Advancement and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $1.5 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy at www.CBALincroftNJ.org.