Empowered to Act: Eighth Graders Lead with Purpose at the CDS Community Project Exhibition
On May 9th, the Carrollwood Day School Student Union came alive with purpose and passion as our eighth-grade students showcased their MYP Community Projects at the annual Community Project Exhibition. These projects represent the heart of what it means to be a CDS student, leading with character, acting with empathy, and seeking solutions that have a meaningful impact.
The MYP Community Project is a capstone of year three in the Middle Years Programme, offering students the chance to explore a cause they care about and take real action to support it. It asks students to dig deep, identify a need in a community, and then thoughtfully plan and carry out a project that creates positive change. This kind of work takes critical thinking, collaboration, and a strong sense of ownership. It’s also a key stepping stone as students prepare for the MYP Personal Project and, ultimately, for success in college and beyond.
Students could be seen proudly standing beside their display boards, eager to share not just what they did, but why they did it. They spoke with confidence about the needs they discovered and the steps they took to address them, each project infused with personal interest and a deep sense of responsibility.
One group, Noah D., Jean Carlo P., and Jagger P. partnered with Bespoke Canine Training to learn how proper training can reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters. They focused on dogs with aggressive behavior, recognizing that many of these cases stem from a lack of understanding and support. Their passion for animals and interest in behavior science came together in a project that highlighted both awareness and advocacy.
Tanish A., Adith B., and Mark C. turned their love of STEM into something much bigger than themselves. Wanting to share their knowledge with younger students, they invited neighborhood children to learn about physics, electricity, and engineering through hands-on tutoring sessions. From kite-building to circuits and motorboats, they made science fun and accessible. What began as a project quickly turned into a vision for the future. The trio hopes to continue the tutoring sessions through the summer and keep inspiring young minds.
Zoe A., a Girl Scout for nearly a decade, knew how important camping is in the scouting experience and how daunting it can feel for first-time campers. She saw a need for younger troops to feel prepared and confident. So she visited every Girl Scout campground in the West Central Florida district, captured detailed images, and compiled a visual guidebook filled with helpful information for new troops. Her project, Cabin Clicks, is already being used by local leaders to support scouts heading out on their very first camping adventure.
What made the fair truly inspiring was not just the variety of topics but the heart behind each one. These weren’t abstract problems students read about in a textbook. They were real issues that mattered to them, from animal rights and advocacy, to trash clean-up, to providing resources for community members in need, each of the projects reflected their commitment to making a difference.
At CDS, we focus on creating an environment where education and character coexist. On this day, it was on full display. Through these Community Projects, our students learned how to think critically, act with empathy, and reflect deeply on the work they put into the world. More importantly, they saw that even at a young age, they have the power to create change. That lesson is one they will carry with them long after middle school.