Number of Participants: 17
Hours Donated: -42
Value of Time Served: $-6,033
Event Type: Advocacy & Human Rights
Sport: Schools
Date: April 24, 2018
Location:
Marion Street School
Marion Street, Lynbrook
NY
About:
Music filled the hallway as Army Serviceman Major Thomas Woods received a warm welcome home by students and faculty at Marion Street Elementary School on April 12. He was joined by his family, wife Iris Woods, Marion Street first-grader Matthew Woods and fourth-grader Sophia Woods.
Major Woods returned home on a short leave on Easter where he surprised his children. While he was home, he was invited into his daughter Sophia’s classroom by teacher Christine Castellano to speak about himself and his life in the Army. Son Matthew’s first grade class with teacher Christina Toscano also joined the celebration. Both classes had written letters prior to Major Woods’ arrival which he was now able to take back with him. The fourth-grade class teamed up with the first-graders to help them write their letters and decorated the hallway and their classroom in patriotic fashion. Major Woods was touched by the warm welcome that the classes gave him.
“Thank you, that was very sweet,” he said. “And thank you for the letters.”
An Army man for the past 22 years, students listened closely as Major Woods shared a PowerPoint presentation about serving in the Ukraine, the people he works with and his role in the Army. Major Woods also spoke about celebrating holidays such as Christmas away from home and displayed photos of where he lives in the Ukraine. Throughout his slideshow of photos, students were encouraged to ask questions. As a sign of gratitude for Major Woods’ service, fourth-grader Sophia Schoen performed “God Bless America” at the conclusion of the visit.
Photos courtesy of the Lynbrook Union Free School District
