The Panthers teamed up to send their love to troops overseas during the holidays. Starr’s Mill High National Honor Society and Beta Club members filled decorated cans with homemade cookies and made holiday cards for troops deployed to Poland, and Teen Republicans ensured collection of the donations on the first “in-take” day.
“Our goal for this project was to collect at least 100 cans of cookies and cards to support approximately one company size unit of soldiers,” said teacher Diane Ruane, who co-sponsors the National Honor Society and sponsors the Teen Republicans chapters at the school. “As a 3rd generation US Army veteran (father and grandfather served), married to a US Army veteran, and now have a son serving in the US Army, we have experience in being separated from family during the holiday season. While many soldiers have family support during their deployment, it can be a difficult time being away.”
Starr’s Mill students exceeded the goal by providing 150 donations, and the care packages were shipped out prior to Thanksgiving so they could arrive during the Hanukkah and Christmas seasons.
The troops receiving the cookies and cards are members of the H-Forward Support Company and 3rd Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment (part of the 3rd Brigade Armored Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division). The soldiers have been deployed to Poland since July as part of a NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group training and working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners.
So many people poured their hearts into the project, including the National Honor Society club and Beta Club and their sponsors Kelly Corallo and Kristin Peavyhouse.
“I am so thankful for the students’ efforts, and I know the soldiers will appreciate them!“ said Ruane.
