On Friday, Feb. 13, East Rockaway High School students visited Centre Avenue Elementary School to team up with younger students on a heartfelt mission – creating Valentine's Day cards for veterans.

During the elementary school's lunch and recess periods, high schoolers worked side by side with their younger peers to craft colorful, heartfelt tokens of appreciation for members of our armed forces. The collaboration was originally spearheaded by the ERHS Student Council and Mr. Poland, but enthusiasm for the project quickly spread, and many additional high school students jumped at the chance to participate.

The cross-grade partnership gave older students the opportunity to model community service for the youngest members of the East Rockaway school family, while giving elementary students a meaningful way to say thank you to those who have served our country – just in time for Valentine's Day.

A warm thank you to Ms. Kelly, Mr. Schaffer, Mr. Poland, Mr. Altamore, and the Culture Builds Character Committee for making this special event possible.