Service continues to be a defining part of the student experience at Eastside Catholic.

This year, 89 students earned a 2026 Varsity Letter in Community Service after collectively logging more than 10,383 hours of service in schools, parishes, nonprofits and communities throughout the region. Even more impressive—service hours are still being submitted for the 2025-26 school year.

The number of students earning recognition continues to grow each year, increasing 19% from last year and 59% over the past two years.

"What stands out to me about this year’s Varsity Letter recipients is the amazing variety of places they find to serve," said Director of Campus Ministry Lynn Kittridge. "Besides the usual on-campus opportunities (Crusader For a Day, Open Houses, pit crew and tech crew for the plays, Summer camps and Destiny), our students serve a myriad of places—indoors and outdoors—across the region and around the world."

The Varsity Letter in Community Service recognizes students who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others and living out Eastside Catholic’s mission beyond the classroom.

The large number of younger students earning Varsity Letter recognition reflects a growing commitment to service that extends beyond graduation requirements.

Whether tutoring younger students, supporting local food banks, serving at parish events, coaching youth programs or volunteering with community organizations, EC students are finding ways to make a meaningful impact through everyday acts of service.

Kittridge continued, "I was especially impressed with a sophomore who, not finding enough hours in places he could get to without a driver’s license, created his own service project: researching and writing an app that translates ASL to text. This student is not taking ASL, but taught himself to sign so he could test his app in real time."

At Eastside Catholic, service is not simply something students do to fulfill a requirement. It is part of how students learn to lead — with empathy, humility and commitment to others.

Congratulations to all the students recognized with a 2026 Varsity Letter in Community Service. Their dedication continues to make a difference both within the EC community and beyond.

By the Numbers

• 89 students earned a 2026 Varsity Letter in Community Service
• Students logged more than 10,383 hours of service
• The program has grown 59% in two years
• All students in grades 6-12 participate

This year's recipients included:

• 5 seniors 
• 24 juniors
• 26 sophomores
• 34 freshman