WESTFIELD — Westfield Middle School students in Jennifer Johnson-Corwin’s eighth grade history class visited the school library this week where librarian Sarah Scott taught them about the history of Veterans Day and how to write a letter.
“Students worked very hard to create thoughtful and gracious cards and letters for local veterans. These will go to Senator Velis’ staff for distribution in our community. It is amazing to read our students’ reflections, patriotism, and kind words,” said Principal Jesse McMillan.
Scott said this is the school’s fourth year doing the “Thank-a-Veteran” project, and she will be seeing other classes throughout the month leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
She said some of the students like to make cards and decorate them with artwork, and others prefer sheets of paper for letters. The students also have a choice whether to write to a veteran they know or to a veteran in the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke.
Scott also teaches the students how to write a letter. She suggests that students introduce themselves in the first paragraph and describe things they enjoy, such as favorite foods and sports. In the second paragraph, they could talk about something they have learned about veterans, any personal connection they may have to the military, and why they feel grateful for their service.
“I was telling them these people who are living in the veterans home may not have much connection with young people, and it would be interesting for them to hear about your lives,” Scott said, emphasizing that writing a letter is a gift they can give to the veterans that shows who they are. “When you write a letter to someone, that’s a personal thing,” she said.
Scott then teaches them how to sign off, how to address an envelope and put a stamp on it, which she said some of them did not know.
Scott said most of the students wrote to veterans in the Veterans Home, but some chose to write to two veterans who work at the school: STEM teacher Patrick Dufraine and School Resource Officer Mike Csekovsky.
Many of the letters written to the veterans reflected students’ personal experiences with family members who served. Excerpts are below:
“I know serving in the military means being away from your family for a long time in scary places. I’m grateful for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service and Happy Veterans Day.”
“I have veteran family members myself and will always be so thankful for everything you do.”
“I know serving in the military means being away from your family for a long time in scary places. I’m grateful for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service and Happy Veterans Day.”
“A lot of people in my family are veterans. My dad served in the Coast Guard. He was stationed in Homer, Alaska. I learned about the history of Veterans Day in school. Thank you so much for your service. I really appreciate what you have done for our country.”
“There is no words I could say that would be as nice as you guys are. You guys are what keeps this country together. I don’t know what we would be without you guys keeping our country safe. Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service.”
“My Uncle was in the Air Force and every one in my family appreciates him so much. When I think of him I think how hard it could have been for him to leave his family for so long to fight for our country. Happy Veterans Day.”
“I am planning to serve in the Air Force being the first woman to go in my family. Everyone or almost everyone in my family has served in the military or Army, some of my cousins have or are serving in the Air Force, including my uncles. Thank you so much for your service. Happy Veterans Day.”
Csekovsky also received some appreciation. “I really appreciate what you did for our country and what you do for our school. Thank you so much for your service!”
“Thank you for serving our country. I know serving our country has lots of challenges. My uncle served in the Marines and my older brother is currently serving in the Navy. Thank you again for serving the country.”
Dufraine was also addressed. “I thank you for serving and for protecting our country, and being our teacher. Thank you for your service. I’ll have your class third trimester.”
“Thank you for your service. Thank your courage towards the military and our school. I really enjoyed your class last year and am excited for this year. You are one of my favorite teachers. I am glad you are the one to put up our flag at school every morning. Thank you so much - Happy Veterans Day.”
Scott said the Thank-a-Veterans project is something she enjoys doing every year. “It is something that I love teaching every year and the students put a lot of thought into their letters and cards.”
“Veterans Day is an important opportunity for our students to understand that the freedoms we enjoy today are the result of the service and sacrifice of generations of men and women. My father is a Vietnam veteran, so this is especially meaningful to me personally. I love seeing our students take the time to create these cards and express their gratitude. It’s a small gesture, but one that can have a tremendous impact on those who have served. It’s about developing a lifelong appreciation for their service and sacrifice,” said McMillan.