Plaza Middle students brighten Virginia Beach with Day of Service

–by David Schleck

Plaza Middle sixth graders made dog toys for the SPCA.

Plaza Middle School students recently participated in a Day of Service that stretched across Virginia Beach and beyond. Sixth and seventh graders performed service projects at Plaza Middle while eighth graders traveled to several sites, including Operation Smile headquarters.

Eighth grader Cameron Lugo makes a bracelet for an Operation Smile patient.

The charity provides free surgical and dental care for people around the world. Plaza students made care bags, bracelets and get-well cards for patients and learned about various volunteer roles at Operation Smile clinics.

“I learned about the different people involved in the surgeries,” said eighth grader Cameron Lugo.

“It was interesting to learn how they fix a cleft condition,” said eighth grader Layla Underdue.

Plaza Middle students also visited Brock Environmental Center, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Lynnhaven Elementary, Green Run High, Brookwood Elementary, and the VBCPS Office of Professional Growth and Innovation.

“As an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School, we strive to teach our students about the world around them and how they can positively impact it,” said principal Leslie Ittner.