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Meet Gabriel

Written by PCA’s Director of Development, Elaina Russo

A group of children from a Christian school playing a game of soccer.

“I mow lawns in the spring and summer, rake leaves in the fall, and shovel snow in the winter…”

Gabriel, PCA 4th Grade Student

“I mow lawns in the spring and summer, rake leaves in the fall, and shovel snow in the winter,” explains the student in front of me.

Gabriel is a 10-year-old student at PCA who loves to run and play and use his imagination. He’s also a boy who knows the value of a dollar and how to work for it. What began two years ago as a singular motivation to earn money (so he could afford to try skiing with his cousin) has turned into a continued set of seasonal money-making opportunities that afford Gabriel the freedom to enjoy other fun pursuits.

Or in the case of this spotlight…to get behind people and projects that are important to him. One such project is the new Eagles’ Nest Playground that PCA students have been dreaming about for many years. The project features an expanded footprint to include nature play, hardtop spaces, new playground equipment, and social nooks.

A group of young girls from a Christian school playing in a playground.

“My grandmother told me about the new playground project, and I wanted to help…I like the idea of expanding into the woods and getting to play there.”

Gabriel, PCA 4th Grade Student
Example of Naturalize Playground PCA plans on implementing.
Example of Naturalize Playground PCA plans on implementing.

“My grandmother told me about the new playground project, and I wanted to help,” says Gabriel. “I like the idea of expanding into the woods and getting to play there.”

Gabriel’s heart to bless his classmates and PCA is evident when you talk with him. He’s articulate and his eyes twinkle when he talks about the possibility of the new playground space.

I was struck by a couple of things through this exchange with Gabriel. The first is the reality that children are listening to those around them and are willing to be shaped and informed by those they trust. In Gabriel’s case, he listened to his grandmother and that conversation continued to stay with him and spurred a rise to action.

The second observation is that compassion, serving, and generosity are alive and well in young people. In the face of public lament that kids only care about themselves, Gabriel counters that trend with his desire to bless others. His is a countercultural mindset.

A group of young girls from a Christian school playing in a playground.
A preschool student in the playground looking over a toy telescope
Two boys playing with a toy truck at a Christian school.

What a privilege to get to witness both of these things and to know that kids like Gabriel—kids as young as 10—are actively engaging in generosity, compassion, and philanthropy. As adults, we often say that we’re blessed to BE a blessing. Gabriel is living that out as he makes the new playground a priority for his hard-earned treasure.

When asked what part of the new playground he’s most excited about, Gabriel is quick to respond: “The new play structures and playing in the woods.” I can’t wait to see the day when he’s out there.

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