Students have a heart for troops

HEARTFELT- Camarillo Heights Elementary School students from Kim Michaud's fourth-grade class made Valentine greetings to mail to U.S. troops serving overseas. From left, Jenna Sergott, 9, David Kromka, 10, Elizabeth Seacord, 9, and Gavin Olson, 9, hold cards and gifts.

Kim Michaud's fourth-grade class won't be taking their Valentines home to mom and dad this year. Instead, their cards could end up in Guam, the Marshall Islands or even Micronesia.

The Camarillo Heights teacher wanted to make Feb. 14 special for her class of 9- and 10-year-old students. After researching on the Internet, Michaud found a group in Orange County that sends handmade Valentines, letters and e-mails of thanks to troops stationed around the country and the globe.

Michaud mailed 44 cards to the organization on Thursday.

She said her students are excited that their cards will boost the spirits of someone in the armed forces. She thinks the lesson they'll learn from this project will stay with them long after Feb. 14.

"I think they'll learn that it's important to think of others before they think of themselves," she said.

The children created each card from scratch, using construction paper, stamps and doilies to convey their thanks for the sacrifices the servicemen and women have made on their behalf.

"I think the soldiers should have a special Valentine's Day," said Jenna Sergott, 9, explaining why she made her three cards.

But 10-year-old David Kromka perhaps best summed up the feelings of his fellow students when he said, "We feel like they should at least know that people are caring for them."

- Michelle Knight