The Next Step up

As most Eagles know by now, the Lumen Christi service organization project begins junior year and continues until the end of senior year. Organizations span from feeding the homeless to assisting the elderly.

But there’s one organization that’s a little different from the rest. Using high school students to inspire the younger generation, Next Step steps out to make a difference.

“Next Step is a program about educating middle school students on drug education,” said Carly Desmond, Next Step club president. “It gives the kids true facts about drugs and alcohol and allows them to relate to high school students.”

Middle school is the last step before going into high school and students often lack the necessary preparation for situations they could face in high school. Next Step gives kids an opportunity to ask high school students questions about drug-related scenarios they might encounter.

“It’s much more personal for kids to hear from high school students about drugs and alcohol than from teachers and adults,” Desmond said.

Aside from Next Step’s visits to both St. Johns and Serra Catholic, it also helps throw an annual Christmas party at the Boys and Girls club of Santa Ana.

“It’s a great way to give back to the community,” Desmond said. “It’s a very real experience.”

This year, the Christmas party was held on Dec. 13. Arriving at 9 a.m. that day, the Next Step club members got to work.

“We provide presents and fun games for the kids,” said Dillon Gustafson, Next Step club member. “People dress up as Santa and take pictures with the kids and then he gives them a present.”

Pictures with Santa, face painting, dining, sports — the event covers it all.

“What better way to get into the Christmas spirit?” Desmond said. “That’s what Christmas is all about — giving.”

Most of the families can’t afford to have a Christmas of their own so this event is the only Christmas they’ll get for the year.

“It makes me feel accomplished, like I’ve done something for others who are unaware or are less fortunate than me,” Gustafson said.

Next Step has been involved in helping out with the Christmas party for about 21 years and will continue to participate for as long as the party remains. Not only is it fun for the kids, but for the volunteers as well.

“Last year, when I went, it was really fun so I definitely looked forward to it this year,” Gustafson said. “I got to form some little friendships and that was really cool.”

Members enjoy simplicities such as playing Santa for the day or panting snowmen on kids’ cheeks.

As Winston Churchill would say, “We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.”

Gallery • 24 Photos

Anna Cannon

Paint on - Club president senior Carly Desmond paints the beginning of her snowman poster.

Next Step isn’t just a club, or a service organization, but a community. Members of the club share similar values and goals and everyone is eager for a new experience.

“My experience and things that I’ve gone through pertaining to drugs is what sparked my initial interest,” Desmond said. “Being given the ability to talk to kids and potentially change their lives struck me as something I wanted to be a part of.”

Whether it be personal experiences or the love of learning that leads a member to join the club, Next Step is always welcoming and ready to change lives.

“Next Step is a good fit for me because I want to help people who don’t know just how life-threatening some of these substances are,” Gustafson said.

Next Step is both a club and a service organization — and yes, Lumen Christi hours are involved — but really when anyone joins the club, they’re joining a family.

Anyone interested in joining the Next Step club next year can contact Mrs. Hanley at [email protected].