Number of Participants: 20
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $6,958
Event Type: Civic & Community
Activity: Club
Date: February 6, 2026
Location:
East Rockaway High School
Ocean Avenue, East Rockaway
NY
About:
On Feb. 13, East Rockaway High School students visited Centre Avenue Elementary School to team up with younger students on a heartfelt mission – creating Valentine’s Day cards for veterans.
During the elementary school’s lunch and recess periods, high schoolers worked side by side with their younger peers to craft colorful, heartfelt tokens of appreciation for members of our armed forces. The collaboration was originally spearheaded by the ERHS Student Council and Mr. Poland, but enthusiasm for the project quickly spread, and many additional high school students jumped at the chance to participate.
The cross-grade partnership gave older students the opportunity to model community service for the youngest members of the East Rockaway school family, while giving elementary students a meaningful way to say thank you to those who have served our country – just in time for Valentine’s Day.
A warm thank you to Ms. Kelly, Mr. Schaffer, Mr. Poland, Mr. Altamore, and the Culture Builds Character Committee for making this special event possible.
Photo captions:
Photos 1-3: During Centre Avenue’s lunch and recess periods, high schoolers worked side by side with their younger peers to craft valentines for local veterans.
Photo 4: The collaboration was originally spearheaded by the East Rockaway High School Student Council, but enthusiasm for the project quickly spread, and many additional high school students jumped at the chance to participate.
Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District
