(above) Quilt recipients Michael Brattole, Mary Arrowood, and Chief Pedro Matos.
Frank K. Hehnly Elementary School’s K-Kids Present Quilts of Valor
Frank K. Hehnly Elementary School’s K-Kids, a community service group, and the Quilts of Valor Foundation recently presented quilts to three veterans at a meeting to show the students’ appreciation for the service of military men and women. Last year, members of K-Kids (grades 3-5) created the squares with personal messages of gratitude for the quilt. The Quilts of Valor Foundation then assembled these squares into quilts. Hehnly K-Kids paid for the quilt from their funds.
In addition to having the opportunity to view the quilts, students listened to the three veterans share their experiences being in the military. Mary Arrowood, Hehnly teacher, discussed her pride for our country and also thanked her former teacher in the crowd. She also recognized Michael Brattole, her former student who was also receiving a quilt. Brattole discussed with the students the importance of doing well in school and always trying their best. Clark Police Chief Pedro Matos was also honored with a quilt. He encouraged the students to appreciate the opportunities afforded them and do their very best at every task they meet. Students then had a chance to ask the veterans questions and personally thank them for their service.
K-Kids Advisor and School Nurse Donna Kircher stated, “In addition to learning the art of quilt making, students were able to thank our “Veteran Guests” in person. We are extremely grateful to the Quilts of Valor organization for making and presenting our quilts.”
According to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, the group’s mission is “To cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Quilts of Valor are tokens of appreciation that unequivocally say, ‘Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor.’”
Submitted by Christine Casale Broski
(above) Superintendent Edward Grande, K-Kids Advisor Donna Kircher, Quilt recipients Michael Brattole, Mary Arrowood, and Chief Pedro Matos, Board of Education Member Henry Varriano, and Anne Carreiro, Group Leader Quilts of Valor.
(above) A quilt square created by Frank K. Hehnly Elementary School’s K-Kids.
