Ashley’s Farewell and WCC President’s Volunteer Service Award

On Ash Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Middle School hosted four special visitors - two humans and two canines. Jane and Pat Hipsley, devoted Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) volunteers, joined us on the MacArthur campus for Ashley’s last Chapel. The Hipsleys have raised 14 dogs for the organization, and they cared for Ashley before she came to St. Patrick’s at five and a half months old. At our Chapel service, we thanked the Hipsleys for sharing Ashley with us and for the work they do day in and day out for WCC. They joined in our blessing for Ashley as she returns to WCC for Advanced Training and ultimate placement with a veteran or veteran organization.

Last week, WCC presented Assistant Head of Middle School The Rev. Amy Yount with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for the hours she dedicated to Ashley’s daily training. Ms. Yount believes this award is for not just her but, truly, for the whole Middle School community. The students, faculty, and staff have assisted in Ashley’s training at every turn during the school week, helping her to grow in skills and socialization. Ashley has been shaped by her experience at St. Patrick’s in as much as St. Patrick’s has been shaped by Ashley’s presence. As Grade 8 student Avery C. recently wrote, “We are so grateful to have had Ashley with us for the past year. We have learned so much from her, and we have taught her skills that she will use to benefit her future veteran. She has been such an amazing part of our school community, and we thank her for bringing so much joy to school every day.” We send her off with our love and blessings, and we will eagerly await news of her future placement.