For years, Lanny Burrill has brought handmade wooden hearts to Jefferson Elementary for students who needed a little encouragement.
He made nearly 400 this school year, a one-of-a-kind heart for each student at the school.
School counselor Anne Walter said she used the hearts to help build community.
“In our class guidance lesson, we talk about taking care of our hearts – recognizing feelings and taking breaks – and others' hearts – being kind, inviting kids to play, and solving problems,” she said. “It's all part of our message of connection and belonging at Jefferson.”
New students were able to choose a heart when they arrived, helping them feel welcome, and students who moved away took their hearts with them as a reminder of the school.
Mr. Burrill visited Jefferson for their last day of school assembly, where students held up their wooden hearts in thanks and gave him a book filled with their own — photos, signatures, and drawings.
We appreciate you, Mr. Burrell, for your generosity and for supporting Jefferson students in such a meaningful way.
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