Students Are Sending Holiday Cheer to American Troops

In the midst of homework, tests, papers, and the usual rush of the holidays, it is easy to lose sight of the larger world and those who are far from home. But Madeleine “Maddy” Stern ’14 (Northampton, MA) and Bennett “Ben” Wheeler ’14 (Longmeadow, MA), both class officers, made time to remember American troops unable to be home for the holidays.

Maddy and Ben are organizing an effort to send over 400 holiday cards to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Students at the school have undertaken an effort like this in the past, and Maddy and Ben decided it was time to revive the tradition. Maddy said, “We thought this was a great idea, especially at the holidays.”

Maddy and Ben have given holiday cards to each Upper School advisory, and they are working to encourage every student to sign a card and add a holiday message. The sophomores found information about efforts like this through the Red Cross, and the cards will be sent to that organization. The Red Cross will send the cards on to the troops.

Assistant Dean of Students Christa Talbot was pleased that students were making this effort a priority at such a busy time of year,  “It’s wonderful to be part of a community where our students initiated a project to support a cause and group of people larger than themselves during the holidays.”