Pacifica Stories

Service took center stage for Pacifica’s surf team this past holiday season through their involvement with SurfersWhoServe, an initiative founded by students Joseph Holscher and Teal Greene that uses surfing as a platform for service and community outreach.

On Sunday, December 14, SurfersWhoServe brought eight Pacifica students to Casa Hogar Sion in Tijuana, where they delivered Christmas gifts to all the children and staff living at the orphanage. The Casa Hogar Sion mission trip was led by Pacifica parent Kelly Holscher, whose leadership helped make the experience both meaningful and impactful for the students.

The trip was made possible through a partnership with Calvary Christian School, where many of the participating Pacifica students are alumni. This connection strengthened the sense of community and shared purpose throughout the day.

For Pacifica students, the experience went far beyond gift-giving. They spent the day building relationships, spreading holiday cheer, and serving with compassion.

“This trip has meant a lot to me over the years, and I wanted more Pacifica students to experience how powerful and joyful serving others can be,” said Pacifica sophomore Joe Holscher, who has participated in the mission trip many times over the past decade as a student at Calvary Christian School.

Pacifica sophomore Reagan Whalen shared, “It was so fun playing with the kids, and it really felt like we were making a difference.”

Reflecting on the connections formed, Elysse Champion added, “Even though there was a language barrier, we used the Spanish we’ve learned in school, and the language of love covered the rest. It was my favorite day of 2025.”

The outreach opportunity reminded students that the values learned through athletics—teamwork, humility, and leadership—extend far beyond the classroom and the ocean.

This incredible day of service reflects the heart of Pacifica’s surf team and highlights how students can use their passions to make a positive difference through service and community outreach.