Kittatinny students reach out to alumni serving in the military

Newton - For the past year, Kittatinny Regional High School students have been reaching out to alumni serving in the military around the globe. As part of “Operation Cougar Pride,” students write letters, make cards, take pictures and gather snacks for recent Kittatinny graduates now serving in all branches of the military, including the Coast Guard. “Care” packages have been shipped around the world, from West Point, N.Y., to Iraq and Japan. The program was initiated last year when Ellen Kolonoski, a junior high teacher at Kittatinny, read a letter from a recent graduate who was wounded overseas and awarded a Purple Heart, one of the highest honors given by the U.S. military. Through research, Kolonsoki found there are numerous recent graduates serving in all branches of the military. She thought it would be a good idea for her students to write letter and cards, and send packages to them to show appreciation for their service to the country. “Operation Cougar Pride teaches our current students about service and sacrifice,” Kolonoski explained. “But the packages are really something special and mean a lot to our graduates in the military.” Since September, Kittatinny students have sent more than 20 packages to alumni serving in the U.S. and around the world. Graduates from classes of 1997 through 2005 have been receiving packages with memories from home - including pictures of the school and magazines. All contents are donated by Kittatinny students and faculty. Packages sent overseas are a little larger and weigh approximately 25 pounds. Students include disposable cameras, Kittatinny T-shirts, and playing cards for those stationed in other countries. The packages are also designed to be shared with those serving with Kittatinny alumni. Kittatinny students have received numerous letters in return, thanking them for the packages and letting them know what life is like in other parts of the world. The feedback has helped keep Kittatinny students maintain enthusiasm about Operation Cougar Pride.