Caln Press Release

Contact: Rebecca Richardson

Caln Students Partner with Veteran’s Administration Medical Center Adopt-A-Grandparent Program

Caln Elementary students in Grade 5 will be involved in a Community Service Project at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center located in Coatesville.  Our students have been extended an invitation to participate in the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center Adopt-A-Grandparent Program that has been long standing with participation from the Coatesville Area School District for more than 40 years.  This experiential service learning approach, outside of the classroom will have positive benefits for both the students and our community. 

Paul, a current 5^th grade student shared, “I am looking forward to making a veteran feel good by playing games, creating crats, and just having some fun with them.  It will be an honor to meet some of these wonderful people and learn about some of the wars they fought in.  I am fascinated with veterans, therefore, I know I am going to enjoy this experience.”

Some of these benefits include developing and learning about the value of teamwork and seeing it in action.  Students will be applying critical thinking skills while refining their leadership abilities.  Students will have the opportunity to improve communication and practical skills in alternate settings as well. 

A former Caln Elementary student and current Scott Middle School Student, Matt, shared, “Last year, I got to visit with people at the VA Hospital once a month.  When I was there, most of the time we played BINGO with the Veterans.  Other times, we played checkers, connect four, or other board games.  Sometimes the Veterans would tell us about when they fought in a war.  After we played games, we had snacks and juice together.  We served the snacks to the Veterans and then we got to have ours.  The Veterans fought for our rights and it was nice to spend time with them and to be able to give back and thank them for their hard work.”

Through this experience, opportunity, and partnership with the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center of Coatesville, our students will be building relationships which will help to improve the quality of life for some veterans here in the Coatesville area.  Our students will walk away with a heart and understanding of giving back and helping others and will leave with a new perspective about veterans and their experiences.  Students are able to develop a feeling that their actions and the actions of others truly do make a difference in our lives.