North Reading Community EarlyAct Thanks Vets

The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club completed its second service project of the year this week with a focus on veterans who are recovering from injury. Students were joined by North Reading Veteran’s Agent Susan Magner for a conversation about life after active duty. Magner explained about how some veterans have short and long-term stays in hospitals. The visit was followed by a writing prompt asking students to each write a letter to a veteran thanking them for their service and wishing he or she well. Magner promised to deliver them by hand to the local Veterans’ Association Hospitals. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “The kids took a lot of time and effort into what they wrote. They wanted to make sure they gave thanks but also demonstrated concern for their well-being.” Students were also encouraged to ask questions, draw a picture, and share some interests. One student wrote, “Thank you for service our country. I was wondering what rank you have; I think all of them are really cool. I bet your family loves you and misses you. I hope you are not hurt but if you are, I hope you feel better.” Magner also explained that some of our veterans are very young and were injured early on in their careers. Luckiewicz commented, “The group really was interested in the concept that a veteran may be a young person. In fact, after much thought on the subject one student amended his letter to provide encouragement that the veteran would see his parents again soon. It was very touching.” Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the project was the sensitivity the students showed. After completing his letter and inquiring about the veteran’s family, one student, Nick, became concerned that it would upset the recipient if he or she didn’t have a family. Taking steps to prevent any unnecessary harm, the student solved the problem by writing a Post-it note to remind Magner that upon delivery, “Please give this letter to a veteran with a loving family.”

About the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club
The club is designed for students grades 3-5, representing all schools in North Reading. Based on a Rotary International model, the projects and meetings focus on the values of gratitude, community, leadership, commitment, and inclusion. The club meets twice per month to plan and implement a local or international humanitarian project. Initiated just this past March, the group was formed by 4 parent volunteers: Sandy Garniss, Samantha Miller, Karen Buscemi, and Leslie Schultz in partnership with North Reading Rotary Club’s Peter Majane and Director of Youth Services Amy Luckiewicz. For more information on the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club or its sister club at North Reading Middle School, email youthservices@northreadingma.gov or call Amy at 978.357.5281.