From One Community to Another: Campus Canyon Students Give Back

 

(Moorpark, California) Feb. 4, 2025—During Kindness Week in early February, students at Campus Canyon College Preparatory Academy, led by Dean of Students Stacey Lusche, showed that kindness goes beyond their campus by supporting those impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County.

No Place for Hate Leadership students Emma L., Constance A., Caden T. and Gage T. helped organize a schoolwide donation drive, collecting hundreds of items, including school supplies for Pasadena Unified School District students affected by the Eaton Fire. They also gathered pet food, bedding and other supplies for the Pasadena Humane Society. Lusche delivered the donations this week.

“Many of our students know what it’s like to live in an area affected by wildfires, so they wanted to reach out and connect,” Lusche said. “This is their way of saying, ‘We see you, we care about you, and you’re not alone.’”

The Eaton fire forced Pasadena Unified to close schools for several weeks, with the district estimating that more than two-thirds of its 14,000 students and 1,400 employees live in evacuation zones. Many families lost their homes, and Lusche hopes the donations provide some relief and a little sense of normalcy, reminding Pasadena Unified students that fellow students care.

The effort aligns with the theme of Campus Canyon’s College, Career and Community Connections enrichment program, which introduces students to the many elements that make up a community. Each grade level, from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade, has a separate focus, helping students develop a broader understanding of their role in the world.

“This project was a great way for students—especially our middle schoolers—to think outside of themselves,” said Principal Susie Rossiter. “They’re required to complete community service hours to graduate, but more importantly, we want them to see that giving back isn’t just a requirement. It’s a way to build connections and make a real difference.”

Lusche, who grew up in nearby La Cañada, highlighted the strong ties within the Southern California education community. She noted that donating pet supplies in addition to school essentials helped students relate to one another, reinforcing the idea that communities are interconnected and share common experiences.

“Students can always connect over pets, no matter where they’re from,” Lusche said. “When we talk about community service, we want them to understand that our community isn’t just Moorpark—it’s the world around us.”