Lucia Forte ’26
Photo courtesy of Kamau Kegler ’27
If you have ever hopped on an afternoon bus trip to tutor at ACLAMO, took a Thursday night van ride to UCHC, or even joined the Agnes Irwin-Haverford weekend pack-a-thon, then you have been a part of the makeup of Episcopal Academy’s culture of service and community outreach. The epitomic alignment with the Stripes of generosity, kindness, and respect, EA’s Community Service scene is one of our most vital and impactful facets of the school. Thus, it is no surprise that, among the new school year’s many many changes and new initiatives, the makeup of Community Service at EA is changing drastically as well.
Rebecca Brinks, EA’s longstanding community service coordinator of 13 years, cleared out her office for retirement last spring. While Brink’s absence is felt across the community, her office was quickly brightened. Amy Brotschul, and Upper School French teacher, stepped into her role as the new Community Service Coordinator.
Service has been intertwined with Brotschul’s EA career since the moment she joined the community. Thus, her new role is merely a natural extension of the work she has already been so committed to at EA. She articulates, “This is my ninth year at EA. I have been doing ACLAMO all those eight years, twice a week, all three seasons. I always helped Mrs. Brinks out with ACLAMO Christmas, Fun Day—ACLAMO is kind of like my baby. Also I do the exchange program, and I have done service trips. Morocco, Senegal, South Africa. And I have lots of ideas for service trips.”
In addition to her extensive service experience at EA, Brotschul has an innate understanding of the love and purpose that true service calls for. “It’s just everything,” she explains. “I have always done ACLAMO, and the beauty is simply in everything: driving through the neighborhood into Norristown, the scenery, watching EA students tutor those cute little ACLAMO kids, the love, the relationships you see formed…facilitating that just seemed very right.”
Brotschul is not just running on love and passion alone, however. In fact, many of her initiatives and plans for the growth of Community Service at EA she has already put into action. This November, she will be attending a “Community Service Summit” in which she will have the opportunity to hear how other schools approach service and service-based learning. The desired outcome of this event is to spark new relationships and develop some fresh ideas. Brotschul said, “I know there are so many places nearby that could use our help, and I’m on a mission to find them.” Brotschul specifies that this goal goes hand in hand with her simultaneous goal of “keeping strong our current community partnerships.”
She also stresses the importance of EA’s philosophy toward service: strongly encouraged and enthusiastically welcomed, but always voluntary. “Mandatory volunteerism is an oxymoron,” she says. “The service itself is the reward, not the satisfaction of a requirement. There’s something given back that’s intangible. And that’s why I think the kids who do it, do it so often.”
This student-driven passion has created what she calls a “self-selecting group” within the Community Service Board (CSB). She has noticed that students who apply out of genuine care rather than obligation. “It’s fascinating to me how many kids think about this stuff and come forward with their ideas,” she exclaims.
A strong group of student leaders from all grades, the CSB echoes Brotschul’s qualities of initiative and leadership. CSB member Nola Parsons ’26 exclaims, “I just love Madame. She is the best!” Parsons further elaborated on the success Brotschul has already initiated, and the future the CSB expects under her guidance. “She obviously took on a big role but she just jumped right into it, immediately kept all our meetings going and showed us new opportunities,” Parsons explains. “I’m excited about having her new perspective which will open us up to new charities and new ideas.” While some may find it daunting, Brotschul’s excitement to hold this new title, exemplifies how committed and caring she is.
Colleague and friend of Brotschul’s, Senora Rudolph, reflects similarly on the character and capability of Brotschul: “She is always at ACLAMO, always finding new ways to connect. She is creative, resourceful, empathetic, and compassionate. When you’re a leader in service, integrity is huge—you need to trust people, and they need to trust you. Amy does that effortlessly. She builds community, not just in the classroom but across the whole school.”
Rudolph also expands on why she feels Brotschul is uniquely positioned for success in this role: “Because she is a split role between teaching in the classroom and service, she can bring service to the classroom and her role as a teacher with service,” she explains. “Even in the cafeteria, I see and hear her getting ideas from colleagues, listening, and being willing to learn from others. It’s a great fit for her. Usually the first year doing something new is an adjustment period, but she just started and she’s already doing a great job.”
The future looks optimistic for Community Service at EA, with Brotschul’s new roles being met with excitement and faith both by her and her colleagues and students. As the Community Service program enters a new chapter, one assertion is clear, Brotschul’s attitude toward leadership and service will remain in the fabric of EA’s spirit. Students and faculty alike can look forward to a year of fresh initiatives, strengthened partnerships, and continued commitment to meaningful outreach. Brotschul’s leadership embodies the very values that have always defined EA service, dedication, and compassion. With Brotschul spearheading service initiatives there is no doubt that the belief of giving back will thrive in Episcopal Academy’s community’s daily life.
