At Cypress Adventist School in Lynnwood, Washington, students are learning that faith is lived through acts of compassion — from hospital donations to international outreach.
Throughout the school year, students at the small kindergarten through eighth-grade Adventist school look for ways to share the love of Jesus with others. From caring for neighbors in their community to reaching people across the world, service has become part of everyday life at CAS.
One recent project began during the 2025 Christmas season when teachers challenged students to replace the usual classroom gift exchange with an opportunity to give to others. The idea was simple: Collect new socks for children receiving care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The response from students and families was immediate. Within just eight school days, the school’s 27 students and staff gathered more than 400 pairs of socks. One family had so much fun choosing socks that the children asked to return to the store for a second sock-shopping trip so they could donate more.
Students from second through sixth grade helped deliver the socks to the hospital. “It was a splendiferous event!” said Carter LeHuquet, CAS third-grade student. “It was fun to help so many people.”
While the sock drive was a highlight, it reflects a broader culture of service at the school.
Earlier in 2025, students in grades five through seven learned sewing skills while creating 27 dresses for girls in the Dominican Republic. Each dress included a note tucked into the pocket reminding the recipient that “Jesus loves you and wants to be your friend.” When the dresses were delivered, the girls responded with joy.
“Thank you! Thank you! The dresses were beautiful and the girls were so happy,” said Carmen Infante, who delivered the dresses to her native country.
Closer to home, CAS students help care for a small community share cupboard outside the school. The weather-tight cupboard allows neighbors to leave food for others or take what they need. Students also regularly create encouragement cards for shut-ins and others who could use a reminder that someone is thinking of them and praying for them.
These efforts are part of the school’s mission. “As teachers, we are always looking for ways to enrich academic learning while nurturing a desire in students to share Jesus’ love,” said Autumn Paskell, CAS principal.
That commitment reflects a central strength of Adventist education — helping students grow not only in knowledge, but also in character and service. At CAS, students are discovering that faith is not just something to believe; it is something to live.
Whether through socks for hospital patients, dresses for girls across the ocean or food shared with neighbors, these students are learning that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
Compassion and service are woven into everyday life for CAS students.
Students learn sewing skills while making dresses for girls in the Dominican Republic.
Student representatives present socks collected for children receiving care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Students and families help stock and care for a community share cupboard serving their neighborhood.
