Veteran’s Day is a time set aside every year to honor the men and women who have served our country over the years. This year, the holiday also offered a unique opportunity for some local 8th graders.  In late October, students at Canon McMillan Middle School (CMS) in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania were given the assignment of writing a 400-word pledge to veterans as part of a class assignment. Teachers then read those essays and pulled out those they felt delivered the strongest messaging.

   Six students were invited to read their essays to real-life veterans who live at The Waters of McMurray Senior Living Community the afternoon of Monday, November 14, 2022, including 96-year-old Frank Suska, who served during World War II. Both KDKA-TV and WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh covered the event.

   “Our students at CMS were so excited to have the chance to thank and honor veterans through the writing contest. Being able to personally address those who have sacrificed for our country is something they did not take lightly. We were so happy to be given the opportunity to interact with the veterans during the awards ceremony. To personally thank these veterans and express our gratitude is something for which CMS is incredibly grateful!” said Kelly Tookey, an 8th grade teacher at Canon McMillan Middle School.

   “I was thrilled to make this connection with Mrs. Tookey.  We collaborated to honor our veterans through this intergenerational program.  Our Veterans were moved by the expressions of respect and understanding they received through these essays,” said Christina Szewczyk, Active Life Manager at The Waters of McMurray.

   Learn more about The Waters, where residents and team members thrive, at The Waters.com