Ursuline Academy's annual Employee Serviam Day was Monday, February 19.

Ninety-nine employees served 11 local organizations including VNA's Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, The Family Place, Brother Bill's Helping Hands, Bonton Farms, Equest, Austin Street Shelter, and The Resource Center.

"I am humbled by the participation of our employees and their dedication to the Ursuline motto of Serviam (I will serve)," Service Coordinator Gabi Merani said. "Not only did our employees serve the Dallas community, but they served with each other fostering the goals of Serviam within our own Ursuline community."

Faculty and staff sorted donations at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and The Family Place, interacted with horses at Equest, and fed baby goats at Bonton Farms. They also shared stories with residents at Silverado Memory Care and Crystal Creek at Preston Hollow.

Here's what some faculty said about the special day:

Jules McGee '08, Mathematics Teacher, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store:

"As an Ursuline alum, I think it is wonderful to continue the Serviam spirit as a faculty member. Although I wasn't working directly with the patrons of the thrift store, I know I made a dent in the work that needed to be done behind the scenes. Serving the community as a faculty member helps us to reconnect with being a servant leader in the Ursuline community by being a role model for the students to follow."

Melinda Smith, Journalism Teacher, Silverado Memory Care:

"Silverado was home to four therapy dogs which the residents loved dearly. These dogs sparked several conversations between volunteers and residents. I will always remember the beautiful smile on John's face when he told us stories of dogs he had owned."

Olivia Ide, Social Studies Teacher, Equest:

"I really enjoyed working at Equest with my colleagues. It was fun to be with them outside of the school walls while working with animals and serving the community. I think it was therapeutic all around  good exercise, good company, horse nuzzles, and a miniature donkey. I had a great time."

Jamie Martin, Physical Education Teacher, Bonton Farms:

"Bonton Farms was a beautiful way to spend my Monday morning. The smiles and laughter that filled the air as we fed the baby goats was infectious. Laying the compost for the garden that Bonton Farms will plant in a few weeks also helped remind me that we have to work hard and get our hands dirty before any real growth can occur. We truly lived out St. Angela's vision of cultivating the vine, and it was inspiring to get to apply that wisdom and work ethic to a community outside of UA."