Knott Scholars give back to community at O’Dwyer Retreat House

SPARKS – At last year’s Knott Scholars’ Day of service, the scholars, ranging in age from grade school to college, completed the task of mulching – which was allotted two hours – in 30 minutes. For this year’s event, Phil Howard, facility director at Monsignor O’Dwyer Retreat House, planned 12 different projects.

“I’m a little nervous about how the day is going to go,” he admitted, as he watched everyone gather for a group photo. “I want to make sure the day’s projects get completed so they’re not creating more work for us.”

He had nothing to worry about.

More than 120 students and their family members gathered at O’Dwyer Aug. 17 to weed, mulch, build benches and more. While the day is dedicated to service, the main purpose, according to Mimie Helm, executive director of Knott Scholarship Funds, is camaraderie.

“Scholars go to different schools, are different grades,” Helm said. “It is an opportunity to get together and connect – to train Catholic leaders.”

Knott Scholarship students receive full- or partial-tuition scholarships for all four years at area Catholic elementary or secondary schools in the state. Besides the day of service, Knott Scholars events have included book drives, scavenger hunts and picnics.

“People from Knott’s always do a wonderful job organizing and introducing people to each other,” said Heather Nelson, who was with her daughter, Josie, parishioners of Church of the Nativity in Timonium. “She’s excited to do a service project with the group.”

Josie’s task was weeding the sand volleyball court.

“I like volleyball. I don’t play it, but I hit it around with friends,” said Josie, a rising sixth grader at Immaculate Conception School in Towson. 

As to weeding, “It’s not the worst thing,” she said.

Lily Uebel, 14, a rising ninth grader at The Catholic High School of Baltimore, helped spruce up an area around a statue of the Virgin Mary.

“It’s empowering to see something a little weedy and messy and bring it back to a way Mary would appreciate,” she said, as she pointed out, as were others, a flying bug that resembled a hummingbird.

“We’ve seen some weird bugs today,” said Tess McCarthy, 14, a rising ninth grader at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson.

Ethan Broccolina, 21, a senior at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, attended last year’s day of service, but never got a chance to mulch as he was tasked with slicing watermelon.

“It’s nice to help serve as a role model for the younger scholars,” Broccolina said. “When I found out I got a Knott Scholarship, I was floored.”

Cecilia Pate,16, a senior at Mount De Sales Academy in Catonsville, also was grateful for her scholarship.

“It’s nice. It’s why I am able to go to Catholic school,” Pate said. 

While the threat of storms prevented any painting from getting done, the scholars completed the remaining tasks, with groups helping others once their task was completed.

“I’m so glad there is this opportunity for him to serve,” said Theresa Breslin, whose son, WIlliam, 10, is a fifth grader at St. John the Evangelist School in Severna Park. “It is an opportunity for him to get a little messy and get his hands dirty. It is one-on-one time with him in the car. This is checking a lot of boxes for us.”

Email Katie Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

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