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Cannon Upper School Hosts Annual House Day of Service

House Day of Service 2025
Cannon Upper School Hosts Annual House Day of Service

On March 6, Cannon School’s Upper School will come together for a day dedicated to giving back to the community during the annual House Day of Service. This event, which has been a tradition since 2012, is part of the school’s House system—an initiative designed to foster leadership, competition, and a spirit of service.

Each year, students in the Upper School participate in a variety of community service projects that are student-driven and aligned with the core values of Cannon School. The House system, inspired by the Harry Potter books, assigns students to one of four Houses: Integritas (Integrity), Humanitas (Kindness), Impetus (Passion), and Animus (Courage). These Houses not only encourage friendly competition for the coveted Gossage Cup, but also provide a foundation for leadership opportunities and collaboration within the student body.

House Day of Service is a cherished Cannon tradition for students to contribute meaningfully to the community, whether by engaging in on-campus activities or by volunteering off-site. The event is almost entirely student-run, with the House Leaders and Service Prefect determining the service projects for their respective Houses. Director of Community Outreach Jenny Weakland and US Dean of Students Tom Booker provide guidance, resources, and support, but the initiative itself is driven by students eager to make a difference.

The day’s activities range from small group projects to large community initiatives, all benefiting various local organizations. Service hours are not a requirement at Cannon School, in alignment with research showing that optional service leads to higher engagement and greater impact. This year, students will assist a variety of organizations both on and off campus.

Here’s a glimpse of the service projects planned for each House:

  • House Animus will host an on-campus faculty car wash as a way to show appreciation for Cannon employees. In addition, House members will volunteer at the Hospitality House of Charlotte, Ronald McDonald House, and help food banks Nourish Up and Harvest Center
  • House Humanitas will support Lower School AE Day as volunteers and travel to help with Bags of Hope and Feed NC, spreading goodwill and making a tangible difference.
  • House Impetus will send volunteers to the Boys and Girls Club, One Can, Samaritans Feet, and Cooperative Christian Ministry, working to meet critical needs in the local community.
  • House Integritas will travel to Wings of Eagles to assist with their mission. In addition, students from both House Impetus and House Integritas will collaborate to paint handicapped parking spots on campus, improving accessibility for all.

The day not only allows students to help others, but also strengthens the bonds within the House system, fostering camaraderie and teamwork. Students who participate are incentivized by the points earned for their House, but more importantly, they experience the impact of their contributions to their community.

Through House Day of Service, Cannon School continues to emphasize the importance of leadership, service, and community engagement, enriching the lives of both the students and the people they serve