Leadership at Knoxville Christian School (KCS) is not defined by titles or status. Instead, it is measured by a willingness to step up and serve others. Recently, our High School Student Council put Christ-like servant leadership into action by volunteering at Mission of Hope. By packing classroom supply boxes, our student leaders helped support local educators and children in rural Appalachia.
Supporting Local Educators in Rural Appalachia
Mission of Hope supports regional communities through seasonal outreach efforts that assist local families and students. Volunteer organizers, Cathy and Jeff, explained that the organization relies heavily on community help, hosting 40 to 50 volunteers every week—with even larger numbers during the holiday season. During their visit, KCS students packed supply boxes for teachers across 29 schools. Mission of Hope will deliver these boxes during the first week of December, along with toys, food, and clothing. Jeff explained that filling boxes with essential school supplies serves a clear purpose:
“Minimizing what teachers spend out of their own pocket for students who don’t have supplies.”
While event organizers initially expected our group to pack 25 boxes during the shift, our KCS students far exceeded expectations by packing 56 boxes!
A Longstanding Partnership Built on Faith and Service
This service project continues a longstanding partnership between Knoxville Christian School and Mission of Hope. Earlier this year, the organization partnered with our school on the Pack the Pantry drive, and our student leaders are already planning future joint projects. The student council members who participated were elected by their peers late last academic year. Student Council President Peyton Smith shared her vision for the year ahead:
“To make our school a place where every single person feels seen, heard, and valued . . . because serving others and supporting our community is such an important part of who we are as a school.”
While packing supplies, Peyton noted that she and her fellow student council members were “doing the Lord’s work by packing these boxes for teachers.” Her words directly reflect the council’s vision statement: to lead with Christ, serve with purpose, and unite our school community. By meeting tangible needs in rural classrooms, our student leaders followed the example of Jesus in Matthew 20:28: “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Learning Empathy, Building Community, and Having Fun
The project taught empathy alongside practical work. As Jeff shared during the visit, “It’s so important for students to get exposure to thinking about someone other than themselves.” He emphasized that outreach shows people others care about them, adding:
“We look at opportunities for how we can share Christ’s love with other people, and how groups like yours can be a part of that.”
The afternoon also gave council members a chance to bond and grow closer as a team. Student Council advisor,Coach Ryan Theobald, noted, “As much as student council is a call to service, we want to have fun with it.” Because Mission of Hope prepares for deliveries year-round—“We are packing all the time… there is always something that needs to be done”—our students left with plans to return and serve again. By modeling Christ-like servant leadership, our Student Council showed what practical faith looks like in action. We are immensely proud of these student leaders for representing KCS well.
Join Us in Living Our Values and Serving Our Community
Do you share our commitment to faith, character, and service? At Knoxville Christian School, Christian education goes far beyond the classroom walls. We nurture student leaders who put faith into action, leading with Christ and serving others with purpose. Through local service projects with partners like Mission of Hope, our students practice Christ-like servant leadership every day. If you are looking for a private Christian school in Knoxville where your child will be valued and encouraged to grow, contact our Admissions Office to schedule a tour!