Croton-Harmon Class Named Volunteer Group of the Year

From CHUFSD: Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School third-grade teacher Linda Reich has been bringing her students to Sky View Rehabilitation & Health Care for the past 29 years.

This year, the Croton-Harmon School District teacher and her students have been recognized by the New York State Health Facilities Association with the 2017 Volunteer Group of the Year award.

“This award is being given to more than 400 CET students who I have been lucky enough to bring with me to Sky View through this weekly volunteer program,” she said.

Reich said that without the building administration and district support, this program wouldn’t have been such a success.

“Students learn empathy and gain self-confidence as they interact with the residents at the health care facility,” said Reich. “They learn that it doesn't take much to make people smile, and that in doing so, everyone benefits.”

Reich also finds another rewarding element of the program is watching her students blossom.

“They are usually a bit shy at first, and by the end of the school year, they are assertive and confident in striking up conversations, introducing themselves, guiding people through projects and simply having fun with senior citizens,” she said. “They learn the power behind a gentle touch and a quick hug. They learn that you can have conversations with people even if they can't speak. Watching the kids interact with the residents has always been one of my favorite parts about our weekly visits.”

Reich will receive the award in person at the Association’s annual convention in Verona, New York, on June 27.

“I feel as if I am merely the means through which my students gain an opportunity of a lifetime. It wouldn't be an award-winning volunteer program without my team of fabulous student volunteers,” she said. “Their willingness to put themselves out there and do something so out of their comfort zone has always moved me. There hasn't been a single year-end celebration that hasn't left me with tears in my eyes as the kids share what they feel they've learned by our visits and say goodbye to their friends at Sky View.”

Photos courtesy of Croton-Harmon Schools (CET Linda Reich: Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School teacher Linda Reich, along with her students, received the New York State Health Facilities Association 2017 Volunteer Group of the Year award. She has been bringing her students to Sky View Rehabilitation & Health Care for 29 years. CET NYSHFA Volunteer Award 2: Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School student Nate with residents of Sky View Rehabilitation & Health Care. The school’s students and teacher Linda Reich won the New York State Health Facilities Association 2017 Volunteer Group of the Year award.)