Washington-Wilkes middle and high school students recently took time out of their business classes to write 300 thank you letters which were distributed before Thanksgiving to soldiers stationed overseas.
The activity was sponsored by the Future Business Leaders of America chapters of both schools to participate in “The Big Thank You,” an annual drive to collect thank you letters to troops organized by “The Bert Show,” a syndicated radio program.
“‘The Big Thank You’ is a way for us to show our appreciation for the ones who are risking their lives daily to make sure we are living without many worries,” said FBLA member and senior Maleekia Wright. “I am glad that these letters will bring hope and joy to those who could not be with their families at the holidays.”
High school FBLA members attended a middle level chapter meeting to assist with their letter writing campaign.
“I was happy that I was able to put smiles on the soldiers’ faces for Thanksgiving and hope they all come home safe,” said middle level FBLA member Destinee Allen, a seventh grader.
The letters also help the high school FBLA members work towards achieving their Business Achievement Awards.
Writing the letters satisfies the pen pal requirement of Future level activity number six.
FBLA members also assisted with parking at Mule Day at Callaway Plantation in October. The students directed about 800 cars in two lots while ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians.
“The FBLA students did a fantastic job and were indispensable,” said Doug Abramson, who sits on the board of the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Mule Day Committee. Abramson said students’ job was to direct vehicles in and out of Callaway Plantation and to guide them to open parking spaces, a “pretty complicated task.”
Abramson said the students parked the cars “flawlessly” while ensuring the safety and comfort of all guests. “Most importantly, the students were the first people that visitors saw when they came to Mule Day, and Washington-Wilkes couldn’t have any better goodwill ambassadors than them,” said Abramson. Abramson also serves on the Washington– Wilkes Business Education Advisory Committee.
“I had a great experience helping with parking at Mule Day,” said Anne-Marie Burris. “Working alongside Mr. Abramson and FBLA was a lot of fun.”
Mule Day takes place at Callaway Plantation every October. According to the Mule Day website, people attend to experience the historic, rural farm as it was in its prime. The mule shows, hands- on crafts, food and entertainment keeps the visitors coming to the farm.
This press release was written by students in the W-WCHS Business Communications class. Business Communications is a course in the Business and Technology pathway within the Georgia Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education (CTAE) department. Students in this course practice a variety of written and oral communications skills in the business setting.
