In 2011, Cindy Zvolena wrote a paper for a Sociology class she was taking.  Cindy's children are all adults now, but she reflects on the advantages of sending her children to Saint Anthony's Catholic School. This is what Cindy had to say:
 
            My service learning project involves a subject that is very dear to my heart- St. Anthony School in Loyal.  My four children attended grades one through six there.  It was my choice to do so, over the objections of their father.  He wasn’t Catholic, and it cost money that we just didn’t think we could afford to part with.  I believe that it is a wonderful small school, and the extra attention that the students receive is well worth the additional cost.
            For this reason and more, I was very happy to be able to give back something.  The staff in this school always goes the extra mile to ensure that the students get the best from them.  As a result of this, I am committed to do the very best too.
            One of the reasons that I chose this for a project is that I work here part time as a teacher aide, while still attending NTC.  The fact that I was already there made it very convenient for me, as a bonus.  I also love interacting with the children.  This school has classes from kindergarten through sixth grade, and the children are all urged to say “Yes, please” and “No, thank you” for the offering of the various foods.  This is a refreshing change from the ways that I hear other children speak in this day and age.  I also like being a part of offering nutritious choices to the children, and love to see their smiling faces at lunch.  By volunteering, I have gotten to know the children’s names, and some of their personalities.  I truly enjoy this aspect of my service to St. Anthony School.
            St. Anthony Catholic School is a private school, so they aren’t funded by the state government.  This fact makes it impossible to maintain a payroll and pay benefits, like a public school can.  The fact that they are willing to work for much less proves their dedication.  Our school is in the small community of Loyal.  The population is about 1,200, and we don’t even have a grocery store.  That makes it extra difficult to maintain a normal life in the community, but somehow we manage.
            Loyal and St. Anthony School remind me at times of a separate culture.  Everybody pulls together for the good of our school.  When anything is needed, somehow a way to accomplish this goal is found.  Sometimes it is through the generosity and sacrifice of caring people, and other times it’s just by adapting and figuring out a better way. 
            When I brought this project up to the acting principal, she gladly accepted.  The time that I spend serving lunch and cleaning the dishes after lunch has helped.  Before the lunch program got extra help from other people and me, the school had to pay someone more money to stay later.  Also, the teachers help with the serving of lunch to the children.  Now there are days when the teachers aren’t needed so much, and they can actually sit and enjoy their lunch period.  After all, lunchtime is a part of their break too, and I am glad to be able to contribute.
            There are a few things that I have been able to take from this experience.  One is that the children have so much to offer, in terms of their personalities- I enjoy being even a small part of their day.  Another thing is that the school staff seems very appreciative of my efforts, and that makes me feel good.  I also feel good that I may be saving the school some money.
            My service project hours have been fulfilled, but I am continuing to do the work, as a volunteer.  I get the feeling that I could continue to do so, as long as my schedule allows.  This is alright with me- I am very happy to be of service to St. Anthony School in Loyal.