OLMC Middle School Student gives back to his community

Seventh grader, Ben Harlow is learning about his community while donating his time to teach others about the local history of Essex and surrounding areas in east Baltimore County, Maryland. Ben is currently a junior historian at the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River. He gives tours to visitors who come in on Saturdays from 10-2. He also assists with events and exhibits.

Ben also stays busy doing a variety of things. He plays for the OLMC U14 CYO soccer team. He is proud of the fact that they recently won the fall CYO championship. Ben also played for the OLMC 7/8 Middle School team in the fall, and plays year round for his club team, FCUSA 03 Red.

Ben has been a student of the OLMC Learning Center beginning at age three, before moving on to Pre-K4, kindergarten then grades 1 – 7.

Ben was asked about his school,
“I like being at Our Lady of Mount Carmel because I have lots of friends that make the school day fun. It's like a family atmosphere.”

Ben also likes his teachers. He said,
“I really like my teachers. If I ask them for help, they take time to explain things to me. They treat me as an individual. Having religion classes every day also helps me learn more about the church and helps me deal with everyday situations. It gives me a good solid background to deal with life.”

Ben loves volunteering his time at the museum. He said,
“Giving back to the community benefits both sides. It helps the organization you are helping and it makes you feel good for helping other people. It makes me feel good!
Since I started volunteering at the museum, I have been able to learn more about my community and meet new people. I have to go outside of my comfort zone when I give tours, and that helps me grow in confidence and leadership.”

“Ben has been at OLMC since pre-K3. We have been very blessed to have such a supportive and nurturing school environment for him. Many of his successes in life I can attribute to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the teachers who have taught him over the years,” said Lisa Harlow, Ben’s mother.
“We support his efforts to give back to the community because we believe in giving back as well. My parents set a good example for me by always giving back to others, and I have lived my life that way. We are glad that we have passed this on to Ben.
Through the Knott Scholarship program, each year the scholars partner with a less fortunate school in the archdiocese and do various projects and drives for the school and its students. Since Ben started with the Knott Scholars group in 5th grade, we have done many service projects, such as spring cleaning schools, planting flowers and landscaping, assisting with after school craft activities, book drives, and more.”

Ben is proud to be a student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School where he has access to good academic programs as well as a Middle School Athletic Program. To learn more about the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, their academic program along with their sports opportunities, visit the school during Open House on Sunday, January 29 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM for grades k-8. Visit the classrooms and meet students, staff and alumni. See what will make a perfect fit for your academic home! If you have any questions or want to schedule a shadow day, call Mark Concordia at 410-238-1163 or email mconcordia@olmcmd.org