Huron students, Admiral Pointe residents become pen pals

HURON — Huron second-graders hope to make new friends through a new community partnership. Earlier this month, 86 students penned letters to residents living at Admiral Pointe nursing home. It's believed to be the school's first pen pal initiative, Shawnee Elementary principal Brian Kucbel and school nurse Janis Wallace said. "The second-graders are learning to write letters, and we thought this would be a great opportunity to enhance their learning while creating a partnership," they said in a joint response. In their letters, students shared about their hobbies, favorite school subjects, foods, among other tidbits about their lives. Some also drew pictures of their school and families. On March 17, Kucbel and Wallace delivered the letters in-person to Admiral Pointe residents, who were struck by students' thoughtfulness. Resident Paul Vorisek read a letter from Victor, a Shawnee student who said he enjoyed science and loved playing video games. "It feels great. I appreciate this stuff," he said. John Wassner appreciated his letter from student Jillianna. "Anytime students can do something like this, it's a good thing," he said. This is a good start, Kucbel and Wallace said. "Our hope is that students will have a pen pal at Admiral Pointe, where they can practice their letter-writing skills and develop their sense of community," they said. "We hope this continues for years to come, and we can involve their residence in more school-related activities, such as holiday concerts, special persons day, etc." Admiral Pointe employees expressed similar desires. "To do this with the school means a lot," activities director Lisa Hudson said. "They've been cooped up and isolated for a year, so it's nice to have that sense of home and community." Added administrator Trisha Brown: "Being involved in the community is a big part of who we are and what we believe. It's so meaningful for residents to build upon the foundation for future generations. This is just one step in a better direction." Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood