By Amber Cox, Staff Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — St. Mary School students have been participating in Catholic School Week “A+ for America” and honored those men and women that fight for the United States in a special prayer service on May 26.
The seventh-grade class began corresponding with the Alpha Troop “Assassins” who were deployed in Afghanistan at the beginning of the school year.
Spanish teacher Ameriquin Laccetti knows Wesley Pritchett who is a friend of her nieces. She thought it would be nice for the kids to send letters to the whole troop.
”I’m the Spanish teacher but I thought it would be a nice thing for them to do,” she said. “They sent us back a flag, which they flew (in a helicopter) on Dec. 25 over there. The troops also sent the kids patches and letters.”
Ms. Laccetti said there was a gap where the students didn’t hear anything from the troops but all of the students know they are busy fighting for the country.
Ms. Laccetti thought of honoring the troops during the Catholic Schools Week because they “are doing something A+ for America.”
”I asked everybody to bring in pictures of anybody that had been in the military of their family, in the past or in the present,” she said.
A large billboard was set up in the school’s main hallway with pictures of students and staff’s family members that were or are in the military.
The eighth-grade classes theme was World War II and a number of students brought in pictures of their family members that participated in that war.
The prayer service was dedicated to Army Spc. Benjamin Moore who gave his life while serving his country in Ghanzi Province, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle in early January. Spc. Moore grew up in Bordentown City.
Throughout the day a candle was lit to remember those lives lost and those who are still fighting. The flag outside the school was also flown at half-mast that day.
Ms. Laccetti also arranged for a care package to be sent to the troops on Friday with pictures, letters and other items.
Seventh-grader Brandon Leip wrote, “it is amazing how brave you guys are for going to fight in the Army.”
All letters thanked the troops for their service and had well-wishes for the troops’ safe return.
”I really appreciate how you risk your life to keep others safe,” seventh-grader Gianna wrote. “I want you to know that we pray for you everyday. We pray for your safe return home because you are a true hero. We can never thank you enough for what you do for America.”
