NHA Students Send 30,000 Veterans Day Letters

National Heritage Academies is sending 30,000 handwritten letters to veterans and active-duty service members through its second annual Project Gratitude campaign. More than 65,000 students participated across 105 public charter schools in nine states. The Veterans Day effort included letter-writing activities, patriotic celebrations and opportunities to connect with veterans and military families. The letters will be sent to veterans and active-duty service members across the country.

Character Education In Practice

The campaign brings the network’s Moral Focus character education program into practice. Students worked with nine core virtues, including respect, gratitude and compassion, while considering the experiences and contributions of others.

Nick Sheltrown, president and chief learning officer at National Heritage Academies, said:

“Education should prepare students for more than what's next academically. It should help shape the kind of people they become and the way they contribute to the world around them,”

“That's exactly what Project Gratitude is about. We want students to recognize that respect, gratitude and compassion aren't just values to learn about. They're values to live out. By taking the time to recognize veterans and active-duty service members, students are putting those lessons into action and learning the importance of recognizing and appreciating others.”

School Events Across Nine States

At Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy in Plymouth, Michigan, students heard from fellow students and a veteran guest speaker before writing their own messages of thanks. At Excel Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, veterans visited classrooms following a schoolwide celebration.

Gate City Charter Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, welcomed local military families and transformed a classroom into a patriotic letter-writing space. Mountain View Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, invited veterans from the community to an assembly honoring their service before students wrote letters of gratitude. At Oakside Prep Academy in Waterford, Michigan, veterans connected to the school community joined a recognition ceremony and classroom visits.

Messages From The Public

NHA also invited members of the public to submit messages of appreciation, expanding Project Gratitude beyond its classrooms and school communities. Community members can join the effort through Friday, Nov. 13, by submitting a thank-you letter at www.nhaschools.com/project-gratitude.