Lynbrook school welcomes war veteran
Waverly Park Elementary host assembly for Christopher Levi
Students at Lynbrook’s Waverly Park School welcomed U.S. Army Ranger Christopher Levi last Friday to a special assembly held in his honor.
This year’s school-wide theme is, “Be the Change.” The schools’ Student Council, under the supervision of advisor-teachers Shari Bowes and Jessica Kuehn, recently raised $200 selling Valentine Care Grams which will be donated to Building Homes for Heroes, a foundation that provides individuals, corporations, and others with an opportunity to help families of severely wounded and disabled veterans rebuild their lives. Building Homes for Heroes is committed to supporting those who have returned home from the war in Iraq or Afghanistan with severe wounds and disabilities with a goal to build homes for families in dire need.
“This year Student Council wanted to continue to thank our veterans and our soldiers for all of their hard work and dedication they give to our country,” said Bowes. “Because of this, Student Council decided that the proceeds from our fundraisers … would go directly to our wounded veterans.” She added that some of the students donated their own money to the cause.
Levi, a Holbrook resident, was severely injured when his Hummer as hit by an improvised exploding device in Iraq. Christopher suffered critical injuries including the loss of both his legs. Because of Homes for Heroes, he was able to return home to his family in a newly renovated, handicapped accessible home.
Levi talked about his military experience, the Building Homes for Heroes Foundation, and answered questions from the students. “Will you ever get your legs back?” asked one student.
The students also sang, “Proud to be an American” for Levi.
