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What do you do?
I send packages to members of the military. The children in my class write letters and send cards as well. I got more involved with it after 9-11, but I’ve been doing it for a long time. We have even received some letters back from members of the military.
I also have veterans visit the classroom to talk to the students, which I’ve been doing for nine years so far. Along with veterans we even have people come in who have returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
We show them around and celebrate them with a little party. I also correspond with some military personnel online. I saw my nephew graduate from basic and it was nice to see how disciplined they all are, and how much respect they show. I invited him to visit the class and he showed some things from being in the service.
One of the soldiers who visited, Captain Jacob Watson, happened to have a cousin in my class and it was an overwhelming experience for the student. I like showing my class how important it is to respect and give back to our military. The students are great at doing just that. Members from all branches have come and talked with the students.
I also keep pictures of the visitors, which are displayed outside my classroom and down the hall. There are even some display cases with pictures, and items that are sometimes given to us from military members who visit.
Captain Jacob Watson gave us his war jacket, which is displayed in one of the cases. Inside my classroom I have flags from all the branches as well. Most of our visitors come in November.
We also send packages to military members around Veteran’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Memorial Day. The Wayne Pike Detachment #640, Military Corp League, helps cover shipping.
We even set up a Toys for Tots program at school in December and many participate. Sometimes students donate something to Toys for Tots instead of exchanging gifts with the class.
Why do you do this?
I’ve met many wonderful people I probably wouldn’t have met if I wasn’t sending stuff to the troops. Some are even good friends of my family and I. It’s great to get to know soldiers. I have much respect for what they do and it amazes me. The Department of Pennsylvania VFW gave me the Citizenship Education Teacher Award 2009-2010 and the National Teacher of the Year award in 2010.
What do you do?
I send packages to members of the military. The children in my class write letters and send cards as well. I got more involved with it after 9-11, but I’ve been doing it for a long time. We have even received some letters back from members of the military.
I also have veterans visit the classroom to talk to the students, which I’ve been doing for nine years so far. Along with veterans we even have people come in who have returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
We show them around and celebrate them with a little party. I also correspond with some military personnel online. I saw my nephew graduate from basic and it was nice to see how disciplined they all are, and how much respect they show. I invited him to visit the class and he showed some things from being in the service.
One of the soldiers who visited, Captain Jacob Watson, happened to have a cousin in my class and it was an overwhelming experience for the student. I like showing my class how important it is to respect and give back to our military. The students are great at doing just that. Members from all branches have come and talked with the students.
I also keep pictures of the visitors, which are displayed outside my classroom and down the hall. There are even some display cases with pictures, and items that are sometimes given to us from military members who visit.
Captain Jacob Watson gave us his war jacket, which is displayed in one of the cases. Inside my classroom I have flags from all the branches as well. Most of our visitors come in November.
We also send packages to military members around Veteran’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Memorial Day. The Wayne Pike Detachment #640, Military Corp League, helps cover shipping.
We even set up a Toys for Tots program at school in December and many participate. Sometimes students donate something to Toys for Tots instead of exchanging gifts with the class.
Why do you do this?
I’ve met many wonderful people I probably wouldn’t have met if I wasn’t sending stuff to the troops. Some are even good friends of my family and I. It’s great to get to know soldiers. I have much respect for what they do and it amazes me. The Department of Pennsylvania VFW gave me the Citizenship Education Teacher Award 2009-2010 and the National Teacher of the Year award in 2010.
What was it like receiving those awards?
I was very proud. It’s been one of the highlights of my life. To be honored by people who fought in the military is awesome. They are all my heroes. One of the soldiers I got to be friends with through sending packages, even came down from the War College in Rhode Island from training, to see me receive those awards. That meant a lot to me.
More about Mary
Age 57
Lives in Hawley
Teacher at the Wallenpaupack North Primary School
Historian for the Marine Corp League. Make scrapbooks from things they have done and events they participated in
Loves taking photos
Has a dog named Glory, that is a Sheltie. “I adopted her from a shelter called, ironically, American Glory Farms, and knew this was going to be my dog.”
Who may we interview next?
If you have a suggestion of a person in the region who is making a positive difference, who we could interview, please contact Managing Editor Peter Becker at (570)226-4547 or news@neagle.com.
