Amelia Ciarleglio ‘27
Features Editor
On April 5th 2025, over a thousand college students and Holy Cross alumni gathered at the Worcester City hall for the 13th Annual Working for Worcester Build Day. Working for Worcester is a remarkable organization run by Holy Cross students. For over a decade, Working for Worcester has brought together thousands of Worcester college students to complete community service projects and improve recreation spaces. The projects range from the construction of playgrounds to the creation library spaces for Worcester elementary schools. The 2025 Build Day was extremely successful thanks to the Working for Worcester team, made up entirely of Holy Cross students. I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the Working for Worcester student leaders who played a crucial role in the success of the 13th Annual Working for Worcester Build Day. Without these dedicated students, Working for Worcester could not have been the incredible organization it is today. These student leaders include the Chief Operations Officer, Holy Cross junior Kay McNamara, and Roosevelt Elementary School site director, Holy Cross junior Max Kudinov.
To gain an insight of all the behind the scenes hard work for 2025 Build Day, I interviewed the Chief Operations Officer, Kay McNamara. She described how meaningful Working for Worcester has been during her time at Holy Cross. She shared that this year as Chief Operations Officer she greatly enjoyed “connecting with members of the Worcester community” including regularly meeting with the community partners including Hygge House Books, a local book store as well as Abby’s House and Meryl’s Safe Haven, two women’s shelters in Worcester. McNamara has been involved with Working for Worcester since her freshman year at Holy Cross, starting as a site manager at City View Elementary School. Now she’s a big shot, helping run the non-profit organization as the Chief Operations Officer. She shared her experience with Working for Worcester which inspired her to take on the role as Chief Operations Officer. During her freshman year, she helped build a playscape at Worcester’s very own City View Elementary School. McNamara and other student volunteers were invited by the school’s principal to come back to the playscape during recess and watch the impact Working for Worcester had in real time. She stated, “[The student’s] screams and smiles sealed the deal. I knew then that this was something I wanted to be a part of for the long run.” McNamara selflessly sacrificed hours upon hours to ensure Working for Worcesters 2025 build day would be a success, bringing joy to countless children in Worcester.
Additionally, I interviewed the Roosevelt Elementary School Site Manager, Max Kudinov. As site manager, Kudinov played an integral role in making the Build Day a success. Kudinov told me that one of the most significant moments of his 2025 Build Day experience was “speaking with a Consigli worker whose children both attend the school.” Kudinov stated that the worker’s daughter “uses a wheelchair, so knowing that we were able to install an ADA-accessible swing that she can use truly helped me understand the real, lasting impact of what we’re doing.” Working for Worcester truly makes a difference in the lives of so many students, ensuring that all children can enjoy recreational activities. Kudinov reflected on the various projects Working for Worcester took on this year, “Whether it was repainting blacktop games, constructing entire playgrounds, or building garden beds and musical gardens, each project created something meaningful that kids will use and enjoy every day.” He believes that Working for Worcester is such a special organization because it brings “together people from all different backgrounds to work toward a common goal.” Kudinov is “most excited to build on the momentum of this year’s successful build day and do even more next year.”
These student volunteers are performing terrific work for the community of Worcester, and are amazing role models for the Holy Cross community.
Featured image courtesy of Working for Worcester
Leave a Reply