Young Hearts, Big Impact: Crestview 4th Graders Champion a Cause for Animals in Need
Over the past 10 weeks, Crestview’s fourth graders have been immersed in a project that blended learning, creativity, and compassion. As part of their “Introduction to Service” unit in the CREST class—a service learning class named for the school’s core values of Community, Responsibility, Empathy, Sincerity, and Thinking—students explored a guiding question: What can we do for the common good? Their journey led them to a cause close to many of their hearts: helping animals in need.
Under the leadership of fourth grade teacher Mrs. Davis, who teaches the CREST service learning class, students began by identifying themes they cared about, then formed teams to research and evaluate nonprofit organizations. After exploring various websites, conducting partner-based research, and presenting their findings in Google Slideshows, they held a final class vote. The winning organization: Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the euthanasia of shelter animals and ensuring every pet finds a loving home. Best Friends Animal Society operates a sanctuary in Utah and has a regional center in Los Angeles, making the cause both personal and accessible for the students. Their mission includes rescue efforts, adoption services, advocacy, and educational programs.
With their cause selected, the students took action. The entire school pitched in to support the 4th Grade Market, where handmade goods and a variety of other items were sold to raise funds. Fourth graders led the initiative—not just by creating goods and soliciting donations, but by taking charge of public relations and managing the market. They designed posters, gave classroom presentations, and read Two Bobbies, a touching story of two animal friends who survived Hurricane Katrina and were rescued with the help of Best Friends Animal Society. “I loved learning about all the steps that go into making a fundraising project happen—and then actually taking those steps,” said fourth grader Eva K., reflecting on the process from research to real-world action.
The market was a resounding success, raising both money and awareness. Students were especially inspired by the generosity of their peers. “Some kids would just give extra money after buying something because they wanted to help the animals so much,” said Evie V., touched by the kindness she witnessed. Now, students are in the final and most rewarding phase of their project: selecting items from Best Friends Animal Society’s wish list to donate to the Los Angeles center.
This meaningful initiative was made possible not only through the students’ dedication, but also thanks to the guidance of Mrs. Davis and the support of the broader Crestview faculty and staff, who helped bring the vision to life across grade levels. This project is a powerful reminder that empathy, teamwork, and a sense of purpose can start early. Crestview’s fourth graders have proven that even young students can make a tangible difference—and that small hands can have a big impact. To learn more or support the Best Friends Animal Society, visit bestfriends.org.
About Crestview Preparatory School
At Crestview Preparatory School, we believe childhood is extraordinary. As an independent school serving children from TK through sixth grade, we cultivate academic excellence by nurturing individual potential, inspiring joyful learning, and helping students discover their unique talents within a caring community. Guided by our core values—Community, Responsibility, Empathy, Sincerity, and Thinking—we empower students to become thoughtful innovators and compassionate leaders. Our enriched curriculum fosters curiosity, exploration, and a lifelong love of learning. Learn more at crestviewprep.org.
