St. Theresa pupils honor 102-year-old

One of our neighbors recently turned 102 years old. I thought it would be nice if some local schoolchildren honored this Palatine resident with some homemade cards and birthday wishes.

I called the closest public school and was warmly greeted by an office staffer. I made my request and was told to expect a call back. Unfortunately, the call back was to advise that this request could not be honored because “the activity was not part of the school’s mandated curriculum.”

I then decided to try a local private school. Again, I was warmly greeted by an office staffer and then received several follow-up calls. I must add that never was there a question if my request could be honored, but rather when something could be done for this 102-year-old Palatine resident. The school wanted to help, even with just experiencing a snow day and several days of scheduled testing. The end result was scores of beautiful cards, class booklets and well wishes from students.

Kudos to St. Theresa’s administration, staff members and teachers for seizing upon an “unmandated” learning experience for their students and for demonstrating true community spirit. Finally, a big congratulations to St. Theresa students for acknowledging this elderly Palatine resident and for giving her much joy.

Ed Sutarik

Palatine