Next Step Pathways Thanks Service Members
Next Step Pathways Thanks Service Members
The students at SoWashCo Schools Next Step Pathways program have been working on a service learning project to thank Minnesota National Guard members for their service.
Next Step Pathways is a transition program serving students ages 18 through 22 who are receiving special education services. The program helps teach students real-world skills in the areas of employment, post-secondary education and independent living.
Students Shariyf Curry and Blake Radcliffe greet the National Guard Member.
The students in Tess Hentges’s Service Learning Projects class each wrote heartfelt thank-you letters to service members, expressing their appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve.
“We wanted to teach our students the value of saying thank you and recognizing the efforts of others,” said Hentges. “Writing these letters not only helped them practice their writing skills, but also allowed them to engage in an act of kindness that has a real impact.”
“My dad and mom and uncles served, so it was important to me,” said Pathways student Jenny Sievers.
“I wanted to say thank you to the heroes for being brave,” said Pathways student Lauren Yang.
The Minnesota National Guard distributed the students’ cards at an event for soldiers who recently returned from a large division deployment, along with their families. The service members who received them were moved by the students’ thoughtfulness.
The Minnesota National Guard decided to visit the students in person to express their gratitude and personally thank them for their kind words. During the visit, a service member shared her story about her experiences in the military, answered questions from students and thanked them for their letters.
“It was nice to put a face to our letters,” said Pathways student Shariyf Curry.
“It was exciting!” said Pathways student Blake Radcliffe. “I liked hearing about all the air vehicles they use.”
“This isn’t just about saying thank you,” said program supervisor, Nicky Loch. “It is about building connections and understanding the importance of service and community.”