South Orangetown Central School District

Over the past week, Cottage Lane Elementary School students have been creating magnets and thank you cards as part of a Veterans Day collaboration with the Vetiquette program.

Fifth-graders in Jim Sharkey and Kristin Cavanagh’s class were busy last Friday, illustrating artwork featuring admirable character traits associated with military service to be made into magnets that will be gifted, along with thank you cards, to veterans through Vetiquette. Students also learned the meaning of Veterans Day, the branches of U.S. military, and different clothing that may identify both active and former servicemembers.

“It is so important for our students to appreciate and recognize the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country,” noted Sharkey, a Desert Storm veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1988-1993.

Sharkey also expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of Vetiquette founder and South Orangetown parent Maureen Kelly, who manages several veteran appreciation projects through the schools each year. “Her dedication is unbelievable,” he said.

Thank you to Mr. Sharkey and to all the South Orangetown staff and community members who are serving and who have served our country!

Fifth-grade student holding "thank you" message for veteran