As an elementary education major, Caroline Weible’s ASC Service Award Scholar capstone project came naturally.
Through her classroom experiences, she has seen firsthand that some students do not have access to basic necessities like hygiene products or warm clothing.
“Being in those environments made the issue feel real and personal to me,” Weible said. “I realized that during school breaks, especially winter break, those needs can become even more difficult for students and their families. I wanted to create a project that directly supported students I could relate to and will one day be teaching, while also making a meaningful impact in my community.”
That project became the Winter Break Supply Kit Donation Initiative — a donation drive organized by Weible to collect hygiene products and winter essentials for elementary-aged students. She created and distributed a flyer listing needed items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hats, gloves, scarves, socks and blankets. She also partnered with local drop-off locations and accepted digital donations through platforms like Cash App and Venmo.
Throughout the project, Weible promoted the drive, tracked donations, purchased additional items when needed and assembled supply kits. The final step was ensuring the kits were distributed to students who could benefit from them, helping support their well-being while they were out of school.
For Weible, the most challenging part was maintaining consistent engagement and participation from the community.
“At times, donations came in slowly, which was discouraging,” Weible said. “I had to step outside of my comfort zone to personally reach out to people, follow up and continue promoting the project. It required persistence, patience and adaptability, especially when I had to adjust my approach and find different ways to meet my goals.”
On the flip side, the most special part was knowing that the project made a real difference for elementary students.
“Because I plan to become a teacher, it meant even more to know that I was helping students feel more comfortable, confident and supported,” Weible said. “It was also rewarding to see people in the community come together to contribute to something meaningful. Seeing the completed kits and knowing they would directly help students made all the effort worthwhile.”
Caring for students beyond academics
Weible’s capstone project ultimately helped prepare her for a future career as an elementary teacher by deepening her understanding of the real-life challenges students face outside the classroom.
“It showed me that being a teacher involves more than just teaching academics,” she said. “It also includes supporting students’ basic needs and well-being.”
The project helped her develop skills in leadership, communication, organization and problem-solving as well — all essential in education. In the future, she plans to become an elementary teacher and continue finding ways to support students both inside and outside the classroom.
It was rewarding to see people in the community come together to contribute to something meaningful.
ASC Service Award recipient Caroline Weible
“This experience helped me feel more prepared and confident in taking on that role,” she said.
Receiving the ASC Service Award meant a great deal to Weible because it recognized something that has always been important to her — giving back to the community.
“I have always volunteered and tried to help others, so earning a scholarship based on service felt especially meaningful,” she said. “It was rewarding to be acknowledged for something I genuinely enjoy doing and value, rather than something I felt required to do.”
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