The Anchor Club, you may have heard about it around campus or see photos on the school’s Instagram; but have you ever wondered who is behind it all? Club president, senior Mia Hutto, has been a member for the past three years.
She joined the club during her sophomore year due to a “love of service,” and has grown within the club since.
“As the President of Anchor Club, Mia shows what it means to lead with heart,” faculty sponsor Stephanie Merrill said. “Her enthusiastic commitment to helping others embodies the spirit of service at Bishop Kenny High School.”
Her junior year she was elected Treasurer of the club, and this year serves as President.
Anchor Club is an international youth service organization that’s sponsored by local Pilot Clubs. The mission is to influence positive change in communities throughout the world.
Bishop Kenny’s chapter follows this mission with its own Catholic spin on it.
“This year, [the club is] working to complete each corporal work of mercy to incorporate our faith,” Hutto said.
The Catholic corporal works of mercy are: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the prisoners, bury the dead and give alms to the poor.
Hutto is the backbone of this club, she has planned all of its upcoming events.
“Through her vision and tireless efforts, Anchor Club has started out the year very strong with multiple service events each month, each making a meaningful difference in our school and community.”
Hutto’s personal favorite is the school’s Lenten drive. She came up with the idea last year for a school-wide collection during Lent to benefit the local homeless community. Anchor Club, once the collection is over, assembles all of the items collected into individual bags. The bags include basic essentials, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner.
“Being able to put all those bags together and create all of the little inserts for it and then actually go out in the community and give them out to homeless people in the Jacksonville area, was really touching and eye opening,” Hutto said.
Hutto plans to continue her passion for service throughout her college years. She wants to join clubs there, or start one of her own.
Even though this is Hutto’s last year, she encourages others to join Anchor Club.
“Do as much as you can,” Hutto said. “There are so many opportunities within this club.”
