West Shore Middle Schoolers Come Together to Support Veterans

West Shore Middle School will host their annual Veterans’ Fundraiser and Dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, May 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.

Attending this event costs $10 for adults and $5 for veterans and children under the age of 12. The small fee will include fresh salad, ziti and meatballs from Milford Landmark Lasse’s Restaurant and homemade desserts provided by students and staff.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Blackhorse 4 Heroes charity of Bethany, Connecticut. They are a non-profit organization that provides equine therapy for disabled veterans.

Thomas Acri, a teacher at West Shore Middle School, said his students have been involved with sending out invitations to elected officials and sending donation letters to area businesses and sports teams.

“My kids have been wonderful,” Acri said.

Some students went downtown last Friday to businesses and asked them for donations, such as gift cards or merchandise, to raffle off as part of the dinner, Acri said. He said the local businesses have always been supportive.

Each student is either researching a member of their family who served in the military, a Milford resident who died in Vietnam or a family friend who served, Acri said. They will make a three sided poster board report based on their subject’s service, which will be displayed the night of the dinner.

“My goal has always been for my students to be appreciative for those who have defended our nation, and also to be able to understand how wonderful a feeling it is to do something for someone you do not know,” Acri said. “Lastly, that our men and women who wear the uniform should not be forgotten after their service in the military is over.”

Acri said the most important thing for the public to realize about this event is that today’s youth are doing great things for our community, and this event is another example of that. It is also an example of saying thank you to those that have served for us, and that they will never be forgotten.

To register for the dinner, go here. (Photo credit from the registration page.)