Servons: Students Dig Deep with Local Service Project
September 24, 2025
On a sunny Friday afternoon in September, an energetic group of Cate students and faculty traveled to Summerland, CA, for a hands-on service project with Sweet Wheel Farms. For three hours, students joined the farm’s owner and Cate’s longtime partner, Leslie, to plant saplings together in service of the farm’s bounty.
Owned and operated by the local nonprofit Santa Barbara Agriculture and Farm Education Foundation, Sweet Wheel Farms, Sweet Wheel Farms began as a humble organic farm cart in Summerland, but has grown into a force for good from Carpinteria to Goleta, donating thousands of boxes, bags, and pounds of food; and given away approximately 2,000 meals to medically and financially food fragile individuals and families.
Cate’s connection with Sweet Wheel Farms began with sisters and alumnae Kate ’19 and Ellie Tunnell ’23, and since then, it has become a cherished community service partner for students throughout the year. This visit was no exception.
This was the first service experience of new student Trinity Hasbun ’29. Hesitant to join the experience at first, she said that she really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking to get involved and gain perspective. “It made me appreciate how much work goes into growing the food we eat. I definitely walked away with a new perspective and newfound knowledge.”
Public Service Night Head and repeat volunteer Luke Ashiku ’26 shared, “Everything on the farm is completely organic; no artificial fertilizers or pesticides are used, and they also avoid genetically modified plants. Because of this, it’s important to preserve these clean crops and share them with those in need.”
Trinity was moved not only by the act of service itself but also by the people she met along the way. She shared, “One thing that stood out to me was just how connected the farmers are to the land. They really respect it and care for it in a way I hadn’t thought much about before. It wasn’t just a job to them—it was a way of life. It made a big impression on me. Especially since they were providing for people who need it.”
The afternoon of service made an impact on both Luke and Trinity, and they both shared how meaningful the experience was and what a delight it was to connect with peers while giving back. Rooted in collaboration, care, and community, this opportunity shows that Cate students contine to serve with intention, and grow through the process.