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Local Soldier Thanks MTES At Back To School Night
By Kim Fink
 | | --Photo By Kim Fink Kevin Burger (director of student & administrative services), Sergeant Bean, Micheel Bean, Dr. Frances Scudese (principal) and Mary Walter (board of ed. president). |
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Most third grade children would agree that attending Back To School Night with their parents is not exactly a thrilling experience.
But for Michael Bean, the evening was both educational and moving as he sat proudly next to his father awaiting his turn to speak. Michael's father, Sergeant Bean, recently returned home from a long stint in Iraq by way of the National Guard. He attended Manchester Township Elementary School's September 11 meeting not only as a parent but also as a soldier in the hope of expressing his thanks to the school for all they did for him during his time overseas.
"Excuse me if I stumble a little. I'm actually more nervous now than I was in combat," Bean joked as he took his place behind the podium.
"I'm here tonight to thank MTES and all the teachers and students from my son Michael's second grade class last year. Throughout the year, with the help of Mrs. Capriotti and Mrs. Gallagher, they sent care packages to me and getting those packages were the only bright spot in an otherwise terrible situation," Bean said. "You can not know what that meant to me and my fellow servicemen."
The packages consisted of snacks and goodies collected by students and faculty and shipped out every couple of weeks. Michael Bean said he felt good knowing he was helping his dad and that his friends cared about what his family was going through.
"We sent a lot of stuff. There was a ton of gum!" Michael said with a giggle. "We also sent silly string because we saw on the news it helps soldiers find trip wires."
School Principal Dr. Frances Scudese was moved by Sergeant Bean's speech and said she knew it was going to be an unforgettable evening.
"When we selected Patriot's Day as our Back To School Night date, we knew it had to be something special," Scudese said. "We asked that all parents serving in the military please come in uniform so that we can honor them on this important night. We are so happy that Sergeant Bean is home safely and we thank all the servicemen for what they are doing for our country."
The school was then presented with a plaque and a United States flag flown in Iraq in honor of MTES and all their support during our country's time of war.
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