Students Learn Lifelong Skills in Summer Work Program
Greta Cunningham ‘23
August 1, 2022
Every summer, Cretin-Derham Hall employs a hard-working group of students to work on campus. The team is divided into a five-day indoor crew and a four-day outdoor crew.
“So much of our summer is spent getting ready for the students to come back by maintaining a beautiful building,” said Peggy Gilligan, Director of Annual Fund and coordinator of the Summer Student Work program. “Going to school in a beautiful building with beautiful grounds helps our students feel loved, safe, and welcomed. It really goes back to our care for our students.”
The outdoor crew contributes to a variety of projects: mulching, planting trees, and setting up events, such as the Hall of Fame in June. The indoor crew moves furniture from classrooms, empty and clean the locker rooms, paint walls, and sorts donated uniforms.
“We could not adequately prepare for the upcoming school year without their assistance and willingness to help in whatever way needed,” said Ruth Johnson, an administrative staff member who supervises the indoor crew.
Typically, about 15 students get involved in the program. Students have the choice to be paid directly or have their paycheck applied to tuition. Returning students are offered a raise.
“It's a great first job. At CDH, we're educating students to be the best they can, and part of that is preparing them for a job. For many of our workers, I’m their first employer, so I want to teach them the skills to be a good employee,” said Gilligan. “We're teaching them to be good students, good employees, and good people for the rest of their lives.”
Gilligan spends time with students going over workplace ‘what-ifs’, such as how would you respond if your supervisor raises this concern, how do you let your supervisor know you're going to be a little late, how do you explain that you need a week off. Because these students are working at school, there is an understanding of their involvement, from sports to summer classes, that allows for more flexibility.
“I chose to participate in this program because I was interested in having an official job that could give me a taste of what being a part of the workforce was like,” said Michael Nobrega ’25, a summer student worker in the outdoor crew. “This seemed like a great job to start with because the hours are flexible, and my boss is very kind and knowledgeable.”
The appreciation is mutual. “I love doing this program. We really have amazing students here. I am so impressed with their work ethic, maturity, strengths, and ability to talk to adults to figure things out, said Gilligan. “I also have really fond memories of gardening with my mom, so it’s special to share that with students.”
By working at school, students have the opportunity to work with peers on behalf of the community they care about. The environment is inherently comfortable and supportive.
“Working for CDH has shown me clearly what the ‘behind the scenes’ look like at a school. There is a massive amount of work that goes on when no one else is around, from keeping the grounds looking neat to cleaning classrooms and organizing events,” said Nobrega. “It has given me a new appreciation for all the work that teachers and staff do to make this school a truly wonderful place for all to learn and grow.”
Video created by Michael Nobrega ‘25