Story and photo submitted by Principal Tom Ruiz
CROWN POINT | The three preschool classrooms of St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point wanted to thank servicemen in a special way for their duty and sacrifices.
The in-person preschool classroom and remote learners collected items for Christmas care packages to send to four servicemen. The students learned about each branch of the military and the special jobs these servicemen perform. They also sent thank you letters and artwork to their "military friends."
“This year, it was especially important to send our military friends a token of our appreciation,” said preschool teacher Cindy Anderson. “With so many schools learning remotely during this time, collections for military care packages are on the decline. Mrs. Huffman, Mrs. Miller and I asked our families if they could help and they were more than generous.”
Each of the four servicemen adopted by the preschoolers are from Indiana and serve in different branches of the military. Colin Arndt of Lowell is serving in the Navy; Tristan DeGonia of Lowell, is serving in the Marines; and James Reasner of Indianapolis is serving in the Air Force. James Samyn of Crown Point, who serves in the Army, is also an alumnus of St. Mary School.
The families of the preschool students also shared digital photos of family members who are currently members of the military or are veterans.