By: Elizabeth Vander Neut '26, student correspondent
What was your favorite part of this week at SPARK?
Brianna: “My favorite part is definitely watching a group of 20 strangers who have no idea what they are getting into come into this week and work together as a team to give these kids the summer they deserve and to give them such a good time. Also, to teach them skills that they can use the rest of their lives.”
Jesse: “I would say getting to see our team grow and blossom together. Just seeing them work with each other and come up with these activities while giving these kids the summer of their lifetime is something I am very proud of. Super glad I got to be a part of this program and this position (team leader).”
What are the goals of the SPARK program?
Brianna: "We work with a lot of kids who could use positive role models in their lives, and a big goal of ours is to give them that with our University students and Prep students. Also, to teach them skills like healthy communication, what to do if you see bullying and how to cope with bullying, or healthy coping strategies and healthy ways to live. We want to give them all of that and a fun summer at the same time.”
Jesse: “Like Brianna was saying, a lot of the topics that we cover are things that they might not normally hear... so our job is to teach them those topics in a very fun and engaging way. Bullying, self-worth, and self-care are the things that ...they may not have the opportunity to learn in other places.
Can you describe what university students and team leaders do for the SPARK program?
Jesse: “The team that works with the kids were chosen by us to be leaders of the group, specifically University students. The Prep students were assigned with the team leaders from the University to create one cohesive unit that would be doing the activities with the kids. A lot of these kids look up to them, ask them questions and look to them for guidance. Our (team leader) role is to oversee our team of the group leaders and make sure their needs are met and everything they're doing is working.”
Brianna: "Our University students and our Prep students had two days of preparation and created all of these activities to bring to the kids. They present it to the kids, and give them all their energy and all of their love."
How does this program connect to the universities Jesuit ideals?
Brianna: “Specifically, I think it connects to the idea of magis because it striving for more. These University kids and Prep students gave up a week of their summer to be here and to give these kids the best time they could. That to me is the spirit behind service.”
Jesse: “I found throughout my time at the University that service is a massive part of the University's identity. Being able to partake in a service opportunity like this really aligns with what the school is all about. Giving up a week of your summer when you're a busy college student trying to make money is not an easy decision, but it goes to show just how selfless a lot of these people are. They're willing to be a part of a community that you might not see every day and give back to that community in ways that they may never have done before.”
Campers dive into the fun at SPARK, where every activity is designed to build confidence, connection and lasting summer memories.
Team Leaders Brianna Zipay ’26 and Jesse Couch ’26 helped guide this year’s SPARK program, empowering their teams to create a meaningful experience for participants.
