Hutchison girls were eager to go in the theater lobby and on the mosaic patio in an effort to learn more about local Memphis nonprofits and charitable organizations. On August 28, 2023, Hutchison hosted several non-profit organizations at the annual Service Learning Fair. Many inquisitive faces filled the space as questions were asked and answered about various aspects of the volunteering community within each organization. Hutchison had the opportunity this year to host Memphis City Beautiful for the first time. Their mission is to further beautify the city of Memphis by helping to keep our city clean and by making it a place everyone can enjoy.

The fair hosts organizations as big as the Mid-South Food Bank to 901 POP, a local flower arrangement business. Spreading joy and inspiring kindness through something as simple as flower arrangements is the main mission of 901 POP (Petals of Purpose). The Refugee Empowerment Program returned to Hutchison, where their representatives told stories of their mission to serve the local refugee and immigrant community in Memphis. One way they help achieve this is through their after-school program for K-12th grade students. The Service Learning Council, along with their sponsor Mrs. Guyton, puts together this event every year to bring a variety of non-profit organizations to campus. Mrs. Guyton explained, “Each council member is given organizations to follow up with.” This act allows for the girls to further gain knowledge of leadership roles and how to engage with our greater community of Memphis.

Representatives from each organization got the opportunity to educate students about their non-profit, while girls enjoyed making connections that could be useful when trying to get service hours. The service learning fair creates far more opportunities for young women outside of the fifteen required service hours. As girls are given information and anecdotes from representatives of different organizations, they are able to visualize various significant impacts that the art and gift of service has on the Memphis community.