HHS PTSA Spurs Grateful Hearts
Huntington High School students have always had big hearts. They are a generous bunch and always rise to any occasion. The teenagers especially enjoy recognizing the sacrifices made by others, including those serving their community and country.
Huntington High School’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association recently sponsored its annual Grateful Hearts initiative during lunch periods. This marks the fifth year students have participated in the program, which involves the teenagers penning heartfelt notes to the brave men and women of the United States armed forces to thank them for their service.
The program originally debuted in the district at J. Taylor Finley Middle School where it was spearheaded by PTA volunteer and parent Terri Ehrman. It has followed those same students up to the high school and become an annual tradition.
“The students make handmade greeting cards and bookmarks to be sent to the veterans to thank them for their service and dedication to our country,” parent Debbie Chin said. “In years past, the cards have been sent to troops overseas.”
The PTSA chose General Needs, a non-profit organization that provides basic necessities, including clothing, toiletries and bedding items to homeless U.S. veterans, as the recipient of the notes penned this week. General Needs will see they are distributed to those who have served America.
The PTSA arranged to have six-foot long tables set-up in the cafeteria area and stocked each of them with cards, markers, glue, stickers and ribbons. Students approached the tables before, during and after lunch and decorated the cards with artistic flair before penning sentiments of gratitude that could bring a tear to any eye.
Some of the teenagers even took cards to their art class to work on. PTSA members said the cards were “very touching with personal handwritten messages.”
“The students were compassionate and showed their patriotism to the veterans,” Mrs. Ehrman said. The students took pride in their work and it appeared to be a rewarding activity for those that participated in it. One of the teenagers remarked that it “felt good making a difference in someone’s life.”
Huntington High School security guard Walter Wilson said he was especially thankful and proud of the students. A veteran himself, Mr. Wilson shared stories and photos of his time while based in Germany on active duty. “He was touched that the students were so eager to participate and show their gratitude,” Mrs. Chin said.
Visit www.generalneeds.org for more information about the activities of General Needs.