Middle school students adopt soldier

Students at Jeter Hall Middle School, at the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton, have adopted an American soldier. Brett Reynolds, 25, of Lincolnton, serves in the United States Army, and was deployed to Afghanistan in spring 2005. Reynolds is a friend of Kristin Todd, a teacher in the NCSD middle school.

The students have enjoyed gathering items for care packages and making cards to send to Reynolds. Nothing excites the students more than receiving e-mails and pictures from him. They have gained an appreciation for the sacrifices that soldiers make to serve the citizens of our country.

In December, Reynolds was home for a short vacation and was able to visit NCSD. Students were ready with many questions and were very respectful to their adopted soldier. They formed lines to shake his hand. They also planned a fitting surprise “Welcome Home” celebration, with patriotic décor. The students planned a special Italian lunch, catered by their own NCSD cafeteria. Lizbeth Lizaro, a seventh-grader, led the group in signing The Pledge of Allegiance. The students made “Welcome Home” cards and noted their appreciation for Reynolds’ hard work overseas. Parents sent money to purchase a gift certificate for Reynolds so he could enjoy a satisfying dinner out during his short time at home.

Reynolds’ company is scheduled to return home in spring 2006, and the middle school students at NCSD will be ready for another homecoming celebration.

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Last Modified: April 7, 2006