At Minnetonka High School, students involved in Tonka Neighbors Initiative are illustrating how kindness can ripple outward to build deeper connections. Founded as a senior capstone project two years ago, the group brings together students who are passionate about language and culture to support multilingual families and English Language Learners across the district using their language skills. The group includes speakers of more than seven languages, including Russian, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.

Members of the initiative are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging for every member of the community. “Our goal is to make Minnetonka a diverse and kind community, where everyone is welcome and supported,” said senior Amelia K., co-president of the group. “We work with children who speak different languages and build connections to help ease transitions.”

The club’s activities reflect that mission in powerful ways. Students volunteer at Deephaven Elementary’s Homework Help program, assist families at Bountiful Basket Food Shelf and participate in community events like Team Smile, which provides no-cost dental care for children. They also volunteer with the annual Minnetonka Community and Resource Night to connect families with helpful services.

For sophomore Valeria Y., joining the initiative was a dream that started in middle school. “Helping and making others happy is something that I really enjoy. Ms. Bjork, my ELL teacher at MME, recommended me,” she shared. Valeria was able to join the club at MHS as a freshman. “Now, I’ve been in Tonka Neighbors Initiative for two years, and I’m excited to get to four.”

Valeria says the most meaningful part of participating in the Team Smile event was connecting with younger students and building trust. “Some of the kids were so scared to go to the dentist and wouldn’t go if you weren’t with them,” she shared. “It feels so nice to know that they trust you and that you are doing so good for them by just staying with them.”

Volunteering at the Team Smile event also made an impact for junior Olivia R. “It truly changed my perception of the world,” she shared. “One girl I was partnered with had just moved from Ecuador and was extremely nervous because of a past negative experience at the dentist. She even thanked me at the end for staying by her side through the whole day.”

Beyond big events, the initiative thrives on everyday moments of connection. Amelia recalls hugs from children at Deephaven Homework Help: “The kids want the chance to be with people that understand them and hear them out fully, and the best part is they remember the kindness they were shown.” 

Valeria agreed, noting, “Every time they see me, they come running and hug me saying they missed me. It just melts my heart.”

For those looking to make a difference, students encourage community members to get involved. “Find your ‘niche’ and own it. Help others, and kindness and love will flow in,” Amelia said. “It makes life so much more meaningful for you and those around you.” 

By participating in Tonka Neighbors Initiative, students are living out the ways that language strengthens community. “It demonstrates the powerful impact of learning another language,” Olivia shared, summing up the impact of the Tonka Neighbor Initiative’s work. “It connects people, bridges cultural gaps and builds empathy.”

Looking for ways to integrate volunteerism into you and your family’s lives in the new year? Visit the Tonka Serves website to search for service ideas and opportunities by grade level and interest area!