Brooklyn Education: I.S. 187 honors veterans

On December 3, the eighth graders at I.S.187The students honored Tom Trombone, a Korean War Army veteran and Irwin Meyer, a WWII Navy veteran. Both gentlemen volunteer at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Museum. They told the students about their personal war experiences and how their lives were affected. They encouraged the teachers to bring their classes to the museum.

The students learned that freedom is not free and that these two heroes together gave almost 10 years of their lives fighting to protect our freedom. The students enjoyed the visit and gave the gentlemen two standing ovations!

* * *

The I.S. 187 Politics Club teaches students about their local government representatives and the responsibilities of each representative. They discuss political issues and visit the representatives’ offices or invite them to speak at the school.

On November 27, the Politics Club visited Assemblymember Peter Abbate’s office. The students asked questions and discussed local, national and international issues.

Through this wonderful learning experience, they have become more interested in the voting process and might even consider running for public office someday. The club is moderated by Passaro. The members of the club include Elizabeth Avakov (class 612), Justin Chen (class 607) and Daniel Gaidar (class 602).

* * *

St. Edmund Prep High School held its annual blood drive, which was coordinated by Kathy DeMello, RN, school nurse. By the end of the day, 144 people had come to the gymnasium willing to donate blood, and 120 units of blood were collected.

* * *

On December 3, the entire student body at Xaverian (grades 6-12) assembled in the gymnasium to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier.

During the prayer service, several special milestones were commemorated. The school welcomed a new chaplain, Fr. Sean Suckiel, and also honored Mr. Joseph Verde.

Mr. Verde, a dedicated faculty member for the past 43 years, received this year’s Ryken Award. The Ryken Award isgiven annually to a person who proclaimsthe Gospel of Jesus Christ,participates in the school’s community of faith,nurtures members of the community, iscommitted to academic excellence, fulfills the Gospel call to peace and justice, and recognizes the talents of individuals andthe importance of educating the whole person.