Photos: South Decatur students, veteran pen pals meet for first time

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – Some students at South Decatur Elementary have been able to practice their reading and writing skills in a unique way this school year. 

The students were pen pals with veterans who reside at the Willows of Greensburg. 

The program was launched after SDES Guidance Counselor Leann Porter reached out to the nursing home about the idea.

“That is when I emailed Leann back to let her know Willows of Greensburg is one of the few VA-contracted nursing homes in Indiana and we would be happy to assist her in this project,” said Willows Activities Director Ashley Nickell. 

The students and veterans wrote back-and-forth several times throughout the year.

On Thursday, the students took a field trip to Willows to meet their pen pals for the first time.

“Everyone enjoyed some fun games of bingo, refreshments and snacks and getting to know each other more,” Nickell said. 

She added that the Willows of Greensburg plans to partner with SDES to do the pen pal program again next school year.

Here are some photos provided by the Willows of Greensburg (Swipe Right):