Link Students Honor our Veterans and Seniors
Link Elementary World School
Honoring our Veterans & Senior Citizens
November 14, 2019
On November 14th, students at Link Elementary World School held their annual Senior Citizen/Veteran Celebration. Continuing an eighteen-year partnership, a brunch was held honoring the senior citizens from the Clarkstown/Pearl River Senior Center, the New City American Legion Post 1682, and the County of Rockland Veterans Agency. Mrs. Cuccia welcomed the guests saying that it is an “honor and privilege to host this event for our Veterans and Senior Citizens who have given so much to the community and country. Our entire student body, staff and parents join me in extending our sincerest appreciation for your selfless, devoted service. You are role models of caring, dedicated citizens! “
This was an exciting School Family and Community celebration with all stakeholders participating. Students wrote cards with heartfelt messages, created artistic brunch placemats, patriotic decorations, centerpieces, and programs for each of their guests; provided musical presentations and entertainment; and joyfully served as hosts with the food. The PTA parents provided a delicious breakfast. School District and Government Officials joined in the festivities. Among the honored guests: Superintendent Mr. Martin Cox, Assistant Superintendent. Susan Yom and David Carlson, Director Maureen Sullivan, Board of Education members, Mr. Litvak and Mr. Gosman, Town Supervisor, Mr. George Hoehmann, Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Town Officials, Mr. Justin Sweet, Mr. Scott Milich and a representative from Senator David Carlucci’s office. Mr. Chip Hayes, Coordinator of Veteran Affairs, worked with the school to support this event for the Veterans
IB Coordinator, Ms. Lauren Haugh, along with Student Council Officers, hosted this community outreach. Link music teacher, Ms. Cynthia Kimmel, directed the musical entertainment and student concerts. Student Council President Emmett thanked the Senior Citizens and Veterans for “being role models.” In addition, Emmett presented Mr. Hayes with a collection of cards for the Veterans created by students. Mr. Hayes shared that these cards would be included in packages that will be sent to troops around the world.
Under the musical direction of Ms. Kimmel, the student performers presented heart-warming winter and patriotic themed performances. First on stage, the second grade children delighted the audience with an uplifting medley. Next was the fifth grade chorus. Rounding out the event were the kindergarten children. They shared three adorable songs.
Mr. Cox addressed the audience and shared that an important part of an IB World School is its connection to the community. This school wide event represents a true collaboration of the Link School Family, school community, Board of Education members, and community leaders. Mr. Cox expressed that this event is an exemplar of the IB philosophy’s Culture of Action “the school is a community and the community is the school.” The Coordinator of the Senior Center Program expressed her thanks to Mrs.Cuccia and the School for the hospitality, stating how they all look forward to this Celebration and enjoy the loving, talented students! “This is always such a wonderful outing .”
A special thank you to the PTA and parent volunteers from the Link School community for hosting and serving the brunch. Link students were grateful for this opportunity to demonstrate their respect and appreciation for the senior citizens and veterans of our community.