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A Show of Gratitude: Students Honor Heroes with Handwritten Notes

In an impressive display of appreciation, more than 60,000 students from over 100 schools under the National Heritage Academies (NHA) banner participated in a heartfelt initiative, writing handwritten thank-you notes to honor America's military heroes. This remarkable feat coincided with World Kindness Day and was part of their ongoing campaign known as Project Gratitude. The initiative serves to highlight the values of gratitude, respect, and compassion ingrained in the students as part of NHA's unique Moral Focus™ curriculum.

The Project Begins

The goal of Project Gratitude was to connect students with the importance of civic responsibility and personal growth, emphasizing character education as foundational in child development. According to Dr. Nick Sheltrown, Chief Learning Officer at NHA, “Character education is foundational to our mission and essential to a child's development. Project Gratitude is a wonderful example of turning values into action. When we teach fundamental morals, we help students grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens.” This program has successfully transformed the learning environment, garnering positive feedback from parents who recognize the impact of these shared virtues on their children’s behavior.

An Event to Remember

The flagship event for Project Gratitude took place at South Canton Scholars on World Kindness Day, merging it with a week dedicated to honoring veterans. The school's gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant space where students from kindergarten to eighth grade engaged in a live write-a-thon, producing an astounding 860 letters that were subsequently delivered to Soldiers' Angels, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid and support to military personnel and their families.

Principal Dana Gurganus from South Canton Scholars reflected on the significance of the initiative, stating, “This is more than just a writing activity—it's a moment of reflection and connection. Our students are learning that gratitude is not just a feeling, but an action.” This sentiment was echoed by Amy Palmer, President and CEO of Soldiers' Angels, who noted the transformative effect these letters can have on service members and veterans, stating that such messages of gratitude can greatly uplift their spirits.

Impacting Local Veterans

In total, Soldiers’ Angels is set to deliver approximately 10,000 student letters to veterans through its extensive support network. Additionally, nearly 50,000 letters are intended for distribution across Veterans Affairs centers in the community, ensuring that the gratitude expressed by these students reaches those who have served.

Educational Value of Gratitude

Each November, NHA schools champion the virtue of gratitude, encouraging students to link academic achievements with personal development and social responsibility. The Moral Focus curriculum covers nine key values throughout the school year, including wisdom, respect, and integrity. Brittany Morgan, a parent of two students at South Canton Scholars who partook in Project Gratitude, praised the efforts, saying, “As a parent, I love that National Heritage Academies teaches my children not only strong academics but how to be good people.”

Demonstrating Results

The impact of NHA’s programs is measurable. The institution serves over 60,000 students across nine states, including Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It operates more than 50 schools in Michigan alone. Notably, in 2025, 18 NHA schools were recognized among the Top 10 Best Charter Elementary and Middle Schools in three states by U.S. News & World Report, with three-quarters of NHA schools outperforming local districts on state proficiency tests. Furthermore, seven partner schools have achieved the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary in 2025, National Heritage Academies continues its legacy of offering a robust and challenging curriculum coupled with strong supportive structures. The ongoing success of initiatives like Project Gratitude reinforces the importance of nurturing not just academic skills but also moral values in young learners—a testament to the organization’s commitment to shaping responsible and engaged citizens.

Final Thoughts

NHA's Project Gratitude not only fosters gratitude among students but also reinforces the timeless values of compassion and kindness within the community, making it a shining example of how education can inspire meaningful connections and respect for those who protect our freedoms.