Brookline Students Say “Thank You” to Marathon Bombing First Responders

Two weeks after explosions rocked the Boston Marathon, some local students are saying “thank you” to those who helped the victims following the blasts. 

Students at Brookline’s Lincoln School spent the week drafting thank you cards, notes and letters to first responders who helped save the lives of those injured on the April 15 attack. 

“We wanted to find a way to address what happened, while also giving our students an opportunity to express their feelings in a positive, constructive way,” said Lincoln Principal Kristen Herbert.  “This hit close to home for many of our students.”

The school called the project “Find a Helper,” a reference to “Mister Rogers,” Fred Rogers’ quote of his mother.    

“Look for the helpers,” said Rogers, quoting his mother.  “You’ll always find people who are helping.”

Many Lincoln families were directly impacted by the bombing.  Lincoln parents make up police, fire and EMT personnel who were part of the emergency response teams at the bombing.  Several nurses and doctors who treated victims send their children to the school.  Many of the school’s families were close with the victims as well. 

Marathon runners wind through Brookline’s Beacon Street before arriving at the finish line in Copley Square in Boston.  Many families were along the route in Brookline and Boston, including some at the finish line at the time of the explosion. 

Students presented their letters to representatives from various first responder agencies May 3 morning in the school’s gym on Kennard Road.  Representatives from Brookline and Boston’s Police and Fire Departments, as well as nurses, doctors and others will also be on hard to receive the letters from students. 

“One of our main goals is to make sure our students feel safe,” said Herbert.  “In thanking those who keep us safe, we can reassure our students they are.”