How Vail Mountain School Students Are Using Language and Service to Build Community

At Eagle Valley Community Foundation, we believe belonging is built through connection. And sometimes, connection starts with a simple conversation, one that bridges cultures, languages, and lived experiences. This fall, students from Vail Mountain School (VMS) demonstrated just how powerful that bridge can be.

As part of a new experiential Spanish course, VMS students volunteered with The Community Market and supported neighbors at the MIRA Health Fair in Gypsum. For their teacher, Angela Alonso, the motivation behind this partnership was clear.

“Given the linguistic diversity of the Vail Valley—home to a thriving Spanish-speaking community—it felt natural to create a course where students use their Spanish beyond the classroom and in authentic settings,” Alonso shared. “Through volunteer work, they can interact with Spanish speakers in meaningful ways.”

Bringing Language Learning Into Real Life

The partnership began when Alonso reached out to The Community Market to explore volunteer opportunities. She recalled how quickly the connection took root:

“When I reached out, The Community Market was incredibly welcoming. They offered us opportunities to organize the Market and distribute food. This initial work was invaluable when students began meeting clients and supporting them in their own language.”

Soon after, students joined the MIRA team at our annual MIRA Health Fair, where hundreds of neighbors received screenings, vaccines, and vital health information.

“The Health Fair was a fantastic experience,” Alonso said. “Students helped run the event while interacting with Spanish-speaking attendees—registering them, giving directions, and sharing basic information. They felt proud to use their Spanish to make someone’s day easier.”

Learning That Builds Confidence and Character

For many students, these volunteer moments marked the first time they used Spanish in real, high-impact situations. According to Alonso, the shift was immediate and profound.

“Students gain confidence communicating with native speakers and deepen their understanding of the diverse community they live in,” she explained. “They strengthen their ability to empathize with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.”

The learning stretches far beyond vocabulary.

“Volunteering helps students grow as thoughtful, community-minded young adults. They develop responsibility, maturity, and a genuine sense of civic engagement.”

Building Practical Language Skills Through Service

Before each volunteer activity, Alonso prepares her students with vocabulary and cultural context. But once they arrive at the Market or step onto the MIRA bus, learning becomes truly alive.

“They have to navigate moments when they don’t know a word and still find ways to communicate effectively,” she noted. “Authentic interactions build their fluency and confidence far more than a classroom ever could.”

Why Service-Learning Matters

At EVCF, we’ve always believed that community connection transforms us. Alonso sees service-learning through a similar lens:

“Volunteering beyond their own benefit gives students meaningful opportunities to connect with people who may speak a different language or come from different cultural backgrounds. These experiences help students recognize and appreciate our shared humanity.”

A Call to the Community

Vail Mountain School hopes this is just the beginning. Alonso shared a message for community partners across the valley:

“We hope to build partnerships with nonprofits and organizations that work with Spanish-speaking communities—health programs, the Community Market, preschools, schools, libraries, senior support groups, outdoor programs, and more. We are eager to serve and learn through every interaction.”

And for anyone wondering whether young people want to step up for their community?

“We’re here to help,” she said simply.
Contact: aalonso@vms.edu