Greenies Give Thanks to Veterans
History teacher Olga Mahoney leads year-round initiative
Veterans Day was Saturday, but expressing gratitude to servicemen and servicewomen is a year-round initiative at Christ School.
Joseph Visconti '20 and Marko Cvetkovic '19 accompanied History instructor Olga Mahoney to Asheville's Veterans Restoration Quarters over the weekend. Joseph and Marko delivered personal, hand-written thank you cards from the student body.
"These cards are written throughout the year, and that was our message to the veterans," Mahoney said. "We don't just appreciate you on Veterans Day."
Joseph echoed those sentiments.
"These men sacrificed their lives for my friends, family, and myself," he said. "And I really enjoyed seeing how a small gesture such as a card thanking them for their service gave them such fulfillment. It made me very grateful to these men for serving our country. It also made me realize how fortunate I am to be able to be born in the United States. I want to thank Mrs. Mahoney for taking the trip, and I look forward to going again."
Mahoney's father, Nick, fought in World War II. She has found various ways to share her appreciation for the military with Christ School students throughout her nine years as a faculty member.
For example, Greenies have been taking the 22 Pushup Challenge in front of Wetmore Hall every morning before classes the past month. The number 22 is meaningful as it is estimated that 22 American veterans commit suicide each day. The Challenge is meant to bring awareness to this plight. Each of the 20 boys who have been regularly taking the Challenge will receive two service hours for their participation.
In addition, Mahoney's classroom will host veterans as guest speakers throughout the school year.
On October 25 alone, the Greenies got to listen to stories from Vietnam veteran Pat Donovan (who is a school counselor), Special Operations veteran Col. Thomas Bell (the father of T.J. Bell '19 and Tyler Bell '21), and World War II veteran Ash Rothlein. The speeches by the men were part of Enrichment Day at Christ School.
