In hunger walk, students take lesson in caring to the streets

You might say that participation in the Walk for Hunger, Project Bread's annual 20-mile fund-raising walk through Boston and its environs, is woven into the cultural fabric of Nativity Preparatory School in Jamaica Plain. For 15 of the school's 18 years, its students have participated in the walk.

This year, the tuition-free Jesuit school for inner-city boys from low-income families expects every one of its 52 students to take part.

Overseeing the effort is Lindsay Boris, a science teacher and community service coordinator at the school. "When accepted to Nativity, the students agree to participate in community service because it is part of our mission," she said, but noted that not every boy takes every step. "We ask the fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders to cover at least 5 miles, and we ask the seventh- and eighth-graders to walk at least 8 miles," she said.

Harvey Peña is a 14-year-old from Roxbury who will be participating for the fourth time and is one of about a half-dozen students who hope to cover the entire route. But Harvey's efforts began well before the starting ceremonies for next Sunday's walk.

"Other faculty members and I are in disbelief at how driven and enthusiastic Harvey is, and how much awareness he's raising for the cause," Boris said. "Whenever a visitor comes to the school, he'll explain what we're doing and ask if they'll make a donation. He'll walk up and down Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, going into all the stores and restaurants to ask them to sponsor us."

"So far I've raised $281 total, and hopefully I will raise more," Harvey said. "My goal is to raise at least $400 by May 2."

But participating in the walk isn't just about raising money. "It's not just a long walk," said Harvey. "You get closer to your friends and you have fun."

NANCY SHOHET WEST