Immersive Retreat for Spring Break: The Mariandale Center Experience
Holy Cross Student Spotlight: Caroline Kramer '26 Embraces Social Justice During Spring Break
Holy Cross student Caroline Kramer '26 has been making a difference, both on and off campus. A double major in English and Sociology, Kramer hails from East Providence, RI.
Recently, Kramer was featured as Crusader of the Week, recognising her dedication to various campus activities. Among these, she is an active member of Gateways Orientation, Spring Break Immersion Program, College Choir, Hall Council, and The Spire.
During this year's Spring Break, Kramer participated in the Spring Break Immersion Program, which encourages students to build relationships and perform service work in different communities across the country. This year, the focus of the Urban site was to promote sustainability and give back to people in need.
The program took Kramer and approximately twenty other student groups to New York City, where they collaborated with various organisations to aid the homeless population. One such organisation was the Midnight Run, which provides food, clothing, and other necessities across the city. The group also took part in activities such as gardening, discussing the environment and sustainability, redoing a community garden in Yonkers, preparing and serving food for people in need, and participating in the Midnight Run in Manhattan.
Upon their return, each group participated in a group dinner, where they were encouraged to dress in costumes. Some groups chose to wear costumes that highlighted memorable parts of their trip, such as t-shirts they received during the program or prom dresses.
To conclude the week of service, learning, and community building, a Bowl-a-thon event was held. This was a friendly competition between each site group to showcase their bowling skills.
It's worth noting that the Spring Break program at Holy Cross costs $5,000, and some students, like Caitlin Wiffler '27, have accumulated significant debt from parking fines.
The Center at Mariandale in Ossining, New York, was another venue where students participated in hands-on service to the hungry and homeless, sustainable gardening, and engagement with advocacy organisations for college students.
As the campus continues to buzz with activity, more students are seeking temporary parking passes, reflecting the vibrant and engaged community at Holy Cross.
