Leadership Beyond the Classroom
SENNEY HONORS ACADEMY STUDENTS MAKE A LASTING IMPACT AT COMMON THREADS
Lutheran West’s Senney Honors Academy (SHA) is making a meaningful impact through its ongoing partnership with Common Threads Thrift Store. The program’s young volunteers do more than just sort clothes—they gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing to their community.
Leadership in Service to Others is one of three core elements of SHA’s curriculum, alongside Academic Leadership and Growing as Christian Leaders. “The Senney Honors Academy is an academic and leadership development program that challenges students to reach their full potential in high school while preparing them for excellence in college,” explains Becky Slack, who has led SHA since its inception. To meet these challenges, the program’s rigorous structure requires participants to complete 10 or more advanced courses and fulfill over 40 hours of community service, including internships, pushing students to go beyond traditional college prep.
SHA’s partnership with Common Threads began as early as 2016 when the store was just getting started. SHA students organized an annual clothing drive for the store. “Students would run the entire collection process, from promoting the drive to organizing the donations to sorting the clothes,” recalls Becky. “It was a great way to serve and to develop leadership skills.” Today, the collaboration has evolved into consistent hands-on volunteering. Twice a month, SHA students step into the store to assist with tasks ranging from sorting donations to organizing shelves and displays.
Noah, a freshman and first-year participant in SHA, has found his rhythm by volunteering to help in the Shoe Department. “This is my fourth time sorting with Common Threads. I like getting a break from school and filling as many boxes as I can. I plan to continue this opportunity next year,” he says. Volunteering provides SHA members with an opportunity to apply the servant leadership principles they study in class. “The Senney Honors Academy is about application-based experiences,” Becky says. “In class, we learn about different aspects of leadership and what it means to be a servant leader. Being able to go into the community and apply these skills is incredibly valuable for our students.”
Noah’s commitment has not gone unnoticed by Common Threads staff. Paul Jackosky, Shift Lead over the Shoe Department, shares, “Noah is a great kid. He is very helpful every time he comes to volunteer. Recently I’ve had a lot of out-of-season shoes that need to be filled up in boxes. It’s a lot easier and faster with two people.” As a social enterprise, Common Threads relies on volunteers to maximize profits that pour back into Building Hope in the City. This furthers a purpose of loving our city and its people well and bringing glory to God.
SHA’s ongoing partnership demonstrates the power of consistent, impactful collaboration. “Building Hope in the City has always had a special place in our hearts here at Lutheran West,” Becky shares. “Students in SHA complete many of their service hours with Building Hope and its various focus areas.” Long-term partnerships not only strengthen our community but also offer opportunities for growth, skill-building, and shared success. If you lead a school, church, or business group interested in helping Common Threads thrive, contact Anele Zondo at anele@buildinghopeinthecity.org.
