#United States #Grand Rapids #Veterans Day #National Heritage Academy #Project Gratitude

Celebrating Gratitude: 30,000 Letters for Veterans

In a heartwarming initiative, National Heritage Academies (NHA) embarked on a remarkable campaign called Project Gratitude to honor veterans and active-duty military members across the nation. As part of a student-led effort, more than 65,000 students across 105 public charter schools in nine states participated in creating 30,000 handwritten letters of appreciation this Veterans Day.

Now in its second year, Project Gratitude not only recognizes the sacrifices made by service members but also embodies the NHA's Moral Focus character education program. This program emphasizes nine core virtues, such as respect, gratitude, and compassion, encouraging students to apply these values in meaningful ways.

Nick Sheltrown, the president and chief learning officer at NHA, articulated the mission of Project Gratitude perfectly. He stated, “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.” This sentiment encapsulates the goal of the initiative, which allows students to understand the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts of others.

Activities Across the Nation

To celebrate Veterans Day, NHA schools facilitated a variety of engaging activities. Students participated in letter-writing workshops, attended patriotic assemblies, and connected personally with veterans. Highlights of the activities included:

• - Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy in Plymouth, Michigan, featured a guest speaker who was a veteran. Prior to writing letters, students listened to their stories which deepened their understanding of military service.
• - Excel Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, had local veterans visit classrooms after a schoolwide celebration, providing students with firsthand experiences and insights into military life and sacrifices.
• - At Gate City Charter Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, local military families joined students for a day filled with letter writing, turning their classroom into a patriotic space for expressing gratitude.
• - In Mountain View Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, students invited community veterans to an assembly where their service was honored, followed by heartfelt letter writing.
• - Oakside Prep Academy in Waterford, Michigan, organized a special ceremony honoring veterans connected to the school. Students wrote letters while veterans shared their experiences with them.

Expanding the Campaign

This year, Project Gratitude expanded its reach by inviting public participation. Community members were encouraged to submit their own messages of appreciation through the NHA website until November 13, allowing a wider audience to join in expressing gratitude toward those who serve.

The Impact of Project Gratitude

This incredible effort resulted in 30,000 letters sent to veterans and service members nationwide, making a significant impact on the lives of both the students and the recipients. The students not only practiced their writing skills but also learned profound lessons about empathy, community service, and the importance of recognizing others' sacrifices.

Through initiatives like Project Gratitude, NHA is not only educating students academically but also instilling values that forge them into compassionate, respectful citizens. As these students grow, they carry forward the tradition of gratitude, shaping a more interconnected and appreciative society.

For more information about National Heritage Academies and the impactful Project Gratitude, you can visit www.nhaschools.com/project-gratitude. This campaign harkens back to the essence of learning – not just acquiring knowledge but also growing as individuals who contribute positively to their communities.

About National Heritage Academies

National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) operates a network of tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, collectively serving over 65,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Their educational philosophy integrates character development with academic achievement, shaping well-rounded individuals and engaged citizens.