The John Cooper School Hosts Students from Berekhah Orphanage

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The John Cooper School recently had the pleasure of hosting individuals from the Berekhah Orphanage and Choir for a day of fun, learning, and community. This visit was a beautiful example of Cooper’s commitment to its mission of developing not only well-rounded students but also compassionate global citizens who are eager to make a positive impact on the world around them.

The day started with an engaging campus tour, where the children could explore Cooper’s academic and athletic facilities. Cooper students and teachers welcomed the group and helped them feel at home as they toured Cooper's state-of-the-art campus. Following the tour, the guests enjoyed a warm lunch in the Student Center, where they shared stories and exchanged experiences with our students.

The day’s activities included a creative art class in the Art Barn and Innovation Studio, where students collaborated to create artwork in fun and innovative ways. One student from Uganda even showed the group how he can draw with his toes! This hands-on activity allowed everyone to express their creativity while fostering new friendships. A highlight of the day was the special cooking session led by Cooper’s French teachers, where the guests learned to make crepes. The experience gave them a taste of French culture while bringing everyone together in a fun and interactive way.

Additionally, the group received a sneak peek of the Cooper Chorale’s rehearsal and enjoyed a short performance from the Aerial Arts program.

“Having the Berekah Children's Choir and Orphanage from Uganda visit The John Cooper School is a powerful reminder of the global perspective we strive to instill in our students,” said Gillian Crane, Assistant Head of Student Life in the Upper School. “This unique experience connects our students to cultures, traditions, and voices beyond their own, fostering empathy, appreciation, and a deeper understanding of the world. Opportunities like this show our students the profound impact that embracing diversity and shared experiences can have on their growth."

The afternoon was filled with energy as the group played games on the Bayless Courtyard with Cooper students from the Interact Club. Due to the Berekhah students' high interest in and love for soccer, the Cooper soccer team invited them to watch part of their game after school! The spirit of fun and friendly competition brought everyone closer together, with laughter and

teamwork filling the air. The day ended with a special dinner at Shogun, where everyone gathered to reflect on the day’s activities.

This visit perfectly aligns with The John Cooper School’s December theme of Gratitude, reminding our students and faculty of the blessings we share and the importance of giving back to others. By hosting the children from the Berekhah Orphanage, the Cooper community was able to create lasting memories while reinforcing its mission to develop academically strong students and individuals who care deeply about others and contribute to their communities.

At The John Cooper School, core values center on fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Cooper emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and developing a sense of gratitude, both of which are evident during the Berekhah Orphanage visit. Education extends beyond the classroom, and Cooper’s mission is to nurture young individuals who understand the importance of empathy, generosity, and respect.

The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. The School's mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.

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