Valentine’s Day and the days that follow are a little sweeter for American veterans across the world, thanks to a service project by students at Lynn Camp Elementary School.
All grades, kindergarten through 5th grade, painted, glittered, glued, and created valentines for veterans, which will be distributed through the Kentucky National Guard Family Assistance Center to veterans’ hospitals and veterans serving around the world.
Heather Martinez, site coordinator for the Berea College Full-Service Community Schools Program at Lynn Camp, said the students’ perseverance paid off, with students creating nearly 270 valentines to be delivered to veterans.
“We’ve had a lot of snow this year, which has caused us to miss school, but these kids managed to get their valentines ready in time for our veterans to enjoy them by Valentine’s Day,” said Martinez. “I’m very proud of the way students and teachers stepped up to finish a project that meant a lot to them and will mean even more to veterans serving our country.”
This project was funded and coordinated through the Berea College Partners for Education and its Full-Service Community Schools Program. This five-year federally funded grant seeks to build connections and partnerships among schools and community organizations that improve the well-being of the community and the lives of students and their families. The program provides academic supports, college and career exploration, community service, family engagement, summer camps, and leadership opportunities at Lynn Camp School and Knox Central High School.