Hailey – McCloskey Award – Volunteering

The McCloskey Award is presented to a pupil who exemplifies the values of the school and lives out “Mary’s Way” through a commitment to voluntary and community service.

This year, the award was presented to Hailey —a student who has gone above and beyond in dedicating herself to causes that make a meaningful difference.

Last December, over the Christmas Holidays, Hailey travelled to Lisbon to volunteer her time with two local initiatives: the Food Rescue Project and the Animal Care Project. Both required hard work, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose—qualities Hailey brought in abundance.

The Food Rescue Project aims to reduce food waste and combat hunger among Lisbon’s most vulnerable communities. Hailey approached every task with empathy and diligence—from collecting surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants, to preparing meals and distributing them to families, the elderly, and people experiencing homelessness. Her calm, dependable nature and willingness to get involved made a real and lasting impact.

The Animal Care Project supports the care and rehoming of abandoned and stray animals in Lisbon. Hailey showed the same level of commitment here, whether she was cleaning kennels, feeding animals, or socialising nervous dogs. She treated every animal with kindness, patience, and genuine care.

Back home, Hailey has continued her service through volunteering at the RSPCA, as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Here she has focused her time on making treats for sheltered dogs and cats, as well as litter picking in her local area to protect local wildlife.

This December, Hailey is potentially volunteering for a Coastal and Marine Conservation project in Zanzibar. Hailey will work alongside local marine biologists to help boost marine life populations and protect the coastal environment.

We are truly inspired by Hailey’s dedication to creating positive change through her volunteer work—both at home and abroad.

Please see below for images from Hailey’s volunteering journey.