March 2, 2026- After completing a recent service project supporting the local police department, students in Intermediate South's service lunch clubs were already asking, “What’s next?”

One student suggested the emergency room — and it immediately felt like the perfect fit. It was local, meaningful, and another opportunity to strengthen the clubs' connection to the Toms River community.

Working together, teachers Regina Feliz and Jaime Fischer helped students design handmade pop-up cards, while club members baked, packaged, and organized cookies and brownies to deliver along with the notes of appreciation. Every student had a role, truly making it a team effort.

The treats and cards were delivered to the Emergency Department at Community Medical Center, where staff members work tirelessly caring for others every day. Despite the fast-paced environment, the response was immediate and heartfelt.

“Wow — the smiles on all of the cards and treats put on everyone’s faces," exclaimed the department's Kayla Marchlewski. "In the midst of a very, very busy emergency department, your students brightened everyone’s day. Thank you so much to you and your students.”

The connection proved especially meaningful and even personal; Feliz shared that her brother is a physician at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, which partners with CMC. He later relayed that the surprise truly made the staff’s day.

“This is what Seminoles in Service represents — empathy, leadership, and giving back. It’s who we are.” -Jaime Fischer

Although the department was extremely busy during the visit, gratitude could be felt everywhere — from the security guard at the entrance to the nurses and doctors who came out to personally say thank you.

“Our students constantly amaze me with their compassion," reflected Casey Daniel, Int. South's assistant principal. "They don’t just talk about helping others — they take action. Seeing how something as simple as a homemade card can lift someone’s spirits is exactly what service learning is all about.”

Feliz echoed those sentiments about her Seminoles.

“Projects like this show our students that they can make a real difference right here in their own community," she said. "When they work together with purpose, the impact is powerful.”

Fischer connected the experience to the school’s larger mission.

“This is what Seminoles in Service represents — empathy, leadership, and giving back," Fischer said. "We want our students to understand that serving others isn’t just something we do once in a while — it’s who we are.”

This outreach is part of the ongoing Seminoles in Service community service initiative at the school, which encourages students to lead with kindness, support local organizations, and make a positive impact beyond the classroom.

"We are incredibly proud of our students for continuing to step up, serve others, and show what it truly means to be a Seminole," said Daniel.