The contributions made by a group of Willowgrove School students and staff to the Friendship Inn have received special recognition.

Staff members Kristen Kobylak, Ryan Dignean and Katherine Luciuk, along with their students from the last two years, were recognized with a 2016 Youth in Philanthropy Award for their volunteer and donation efforts in support of the Friendship Inn.

The award, which was presented during Saskatoon's National Philanthropy Day celebration held Nov. 15, recognizes individuals or groups that demonstrate outstanding commitment in the area of volunteer time and/or fundraising in support of an organization.

Students in Grade 1 and their Grade 6 care partners worked together to contribute to the Friendship Inn and share in the experience of learning more about the community in which they live.

"The partnership proved to be the most committed, excited groups of kids to donate food and help out at the inn," according to the nomination from the Friendship Inn. "The positivity of the kids in contagious and brings joy to our guests and the openness to engage and learn about the community is amazing."

These staff members have created an amazing partnership with the Friendship Inn that has encouraged students to take on leadership roles in giving back to the community. This learning project further exemplifies our school's core values: citizenship, community, innovation, and excellence.

-Photo by Dave Stobbe Photography