The men of the Pi-Chi chapter at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama come from all walks of life, but the thing they can all agree on is the importance of serving the community in which they live and learn every day.
As the chapter has grown over the years, the impact in the surrounding Montgomery community has been of utmost importance. Because of this, the men have worked hard to help where they can, from restoration projects to championing cancer research.
But during the course of the pandemic, members decided to shift their focus to local schools, as they had the benefit of remaining on campus. Many schools were struggling financially and to connect with their students in a meaningful, yet safe way. One of those schools that was feeling the negative effects of the pandemic was the Valiant Cross Academy.
Valiant Cross Academy is an all-male school whose mission is to provide a loving, stable educational opportunity for young men in Montgomery. One of the ways in which they are able to enrich the lives of students is through music.
When the members of the Pi-Chi chapter got word that the Academy was in need of new musical instruments, they jumped on the opportunity to help. Led by High Theta Chris Mayer, the chapter raised funds to donate a new acoustic guitar for the students of the Academy.
Though the Brothers were not able to donate the guitar in person, the outpouring of gratitude they received was the best reminder of why the service they perform as a chapter is so important.
“One thing that we all share in common is the fact that we live in Montgomery, at least during the school year, so it’s part of our home,” said Mayer. “Being able to help in Montgomery is a big deal for us. It’s a great thing for us to be able to go help a school that prides itself on education through music.”
Looking forward, chapter members are already planning new service endeavors and hoping to make a positive difference for those around them.
“We’re vastly different, but when it comes down to it, we’re all a family,” said Mayer. “We all want the same thing which is basically to better ourselves and better our community and become the men we want to be.”
