“The most important feeling I’ve gained from my activism has definitely been humility. As a result, I personally view situations differently and always remember to think of those who have it so much worse than I,” says Gabriel Joseph Wright, a senior at Archbishop Rummel High School.
Wright plays a large role in Rummel’s community. He is the president of the Social Action Lasallian Team (SALT) and Big Brothers. He also has role in the student council, campus ministry and Mu Alpha Theta.
“Something as simple as spending the day at a food bank helps countless people, who can never repay you for what you did, but are helped immensely from your service,” says Wright. “If every student dedicated two hours per week to service, we would begin to develop into a community of acceptance and understanding.”
Wright spent a week in Memphis, Tennessee, and served a local homeless shelter at the Manna House. There, volunteers worked to serve the homeless in any way needed, serving food, handing out clothes and helping fill out job applications.
As the president of SALT, Wright began a monthly trip to the Harry Tompson Center, a nonprofit that assists the homeless of New Orleans. On the second Tuesday of each month, a group of Rummel students go to the center and prepare and distribute 150 boxed lunches for the homeless.
Wright was inspired to become a student activist because of his grandfather, Ronald Chevis. Having served in government offices and as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, Chevis always made sure to put others before himself.
“Due to the fact that my grandfather spent every day with me as I was growing up, he ensured to instill a sense of gratitude for what I have and a remembrance of those who need our help,” says Wright. “Every time I would leave the house to do works of service, whether it be for a few hours or a few weeks, my grandfather always made sure to tell me how proud he was and to remind me that what I’m doing truly makes a difference.”
Wright is deciding between attending Loyola University or Tulane University this fall. He hopes to be a corporate attorney for a large company in New York, California or Texas.