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Schools

Whiz Kids: Barnum Woods Students Honored For Sending Valentines to Veterans

A second grade class at the elementary school sent Valentine's Day cards to a special place.

Alison Parrin’s second grade class at in East Meadow was honored on Thursday morning for their participation in the “Valentines for Veterans” program, which is facilitated locally by Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes.

“We have a character education program here so this is one way to show the children compassion and love for others and how to give back,” Parrin said.

As part of the program, the children made personalized Valentine’s Day cards that were delivered to the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center. It has been running for eight years in schools throughout Hudes’ district, including Barnum Woods and .

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“A lot of [the veterans] do not have families,” said Andrew Booth of Levittown, Commander of the Nassau County American Legion and veteran of the United States Marine Corps. “It brings tears to some of their eyes because they feel like they are not forgotten.”

Booth discussed how great it was to see the children react to making these cards and then meeting an actual veteran. He said that it was a good thing to have the schools helping out and simultaneously educating their students about veterans.

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“We will give them their awards and hope that they continue to recognize veterans for the good people that they are in our communities that have given their time and, unfortunately, in many situations, are in hospitals at this time and need a smile brought to their faces,” Hudes said.

Hudes and Booth both talked to the 20 students in Ms. Parrin’s class before presenting them with their certificates for participating in the Valentines for Veterans program. All of the students were elated to receive their awards for making the cards.

Booth explained to the children what veterans are and what they have done for the country. One child asked him how hard it was to be a soldier and he responded by saying that it was very difficult and it is important to have an education. Another student asked how it felt when he was in the Marine Corps.

“Besides my children, it was the proudest day of my life,” he said.

According to Hudes, he chose Booth to meet the children because of his demonstrated commitment to assisting veterans and others in his community. He also explained how it was good to put a face on the Valentines for Veterans program so that the children could better understand who the card was going to.

“It is great--it is very refreshing to see how the students react to veterans,” said Booth in regard to coming to the recognition ceremony for the Barnum Woods students. “I remember when veterans couldn’t get into the schools to do anything--they wouldn’t allow it. For me, this is refreshing that there is hope over the horizon where the students can learn about things like supporting veterans.”

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout, or did your local soccer team take the
championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree.

Each week, East Meadow Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams who wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and will select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Michael.Ganci@Patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

  • Nominator's Name
  • Nominator's E-Mail
  • Whiz Kid's Name
  • Whiz Kid's Age
  • Whiz Kid's School
  • Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
  • Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we will contact you immediately for a photo of the Whiz Kid. For questions, e-mail Michael.Ganci@Patch.com.

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