Upper School Students Broaden Perspective on Service Trip to Guatemala

Led by Hutchison Serves Director Helen Morrison Guyton ’05 and upper school Spanish teacher Glenda Akers, rising 9th through 11th graders spent a week serving at Agua Viva School, refurbishing middle school classrooms and helping Guatemalan students practice English. 

As they learned all about the school and its mission, upper school volunteers worked together to revamp two classrooms while building connections with the school’s community. Our girls participated in small group lunches with families as well as played various games with students of all ages from Agua Viva. 

“Working on the classrooms required a lot of determination, but in the end, all the effort was worth it when we saw the joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they stepped into their newly refreshed classrooms,” Lillian Haygood ’27 said.

Guyton said Hutchison girls enjoyed practicing their Spanish skills and finding common ground with Agua Vivia community members despite living in different countries. "There were a lot of smiles and laughs shared together," she said. "I was impressed with our girls’ work ethic and drive to complete our project. My hope is they remember they can do hard things and find a place to serve here at home in Memphis."

The group also enjoyed a day of adventuring in Antigua, where they went ziplining and explored the historic city. Global service trips like this help our girls build empathy, deepen their curiosity about the world, and grow as compassionate leaders, ready to serve and learn wherever they go.

“I had the chance to try new foods, experience a different culture, and step outside of my comfort zone,” Cate Chubb ’28 said. “While the work was challenging, seeing the children’s reactions to the new classrooms and having the opportunity to do God’s work alongside them and the school was the most fulfilling part of the entire trip. I feel so blessed to have been part of this experience and am deeply thankful for the opportunity. The community at Agua Viva was so welcoming and kind, and they taught me more than I could have imagined.”