A group of 10 Defiance College students recently spent more than a week on a service trip to Jamaica where they built two homes and visited local children’s homes. The project was the culmination of the upperclass students’ years as recipients of a renewable Bonner Leader Scholarship. Each year, Bonner Leaders participate in community service as well as an off-campus, weeklong project, either domestic or international.
Working with Christian Service International, the group divided into two teams, each building a small, two-room home. Jamaicans in need of housing submit an application to CSI. Each new house is a two-room, 10x20-foot structure costing about $2,000.
During their time on the island, the Defiance College group visited two children’s homes, Swift-Purcell Boys Home and Lyndale Home for Girls.
Participating students included: Ryan Carthage, Southfield, Mich.; Ryan Gladieux, Oregon, Ohio; Kacee Mossoney and Betsy Stapleton, both of Defiance; Valerie Munson, Linden, Mich.; Camile Tucker, Highgate, Jamaica; Renee Chaffee, Milan, Ohio; Bilal Muta, Westland, Mich.; Doug Samuels, New Era, Mich.; and Carrie Cleland, Hicksville.
The students were accompanied by Katie Litle, coordinator of McMaster Leadership Programs; Craig Rutter, assistant athletic director for student engagement; Mercedes Clay, director of intercultural relations; Matt Lydum, head track and field coach; Robin Kratzer, director of teaching and academic growth center; Wes Moats, Defiance businessman and member of Purple and Gold Club; and Lonnie Williams, St. John United Church of Christ member.
