Boys’ Lacrosse Program Accomplishes Mission: Operation Appreciation
At GSB, being part of a team is about far more than winning or losing. This summer, the members of the boys’ lacrosse program aimed to make an impact on the lives of others through action.
Led by Head Coach Brian Callanan, a former forward observer with the United States Marine Corps, the boys embarked on a mission to offer supplies—and hope—to troops stationed overseas. During the movement, which they referred to as “Operation Appreciation,” GSB’s fifth through 12th grade lacrosse players collected and shipped more than 400 lbs. of hand sanitizer, food, socks, bandages and other necessary materials to a battalion in Afghanistan. The boys also wrote letters about patriotism, commitment and honor for 1st Lieutenant Kevin Courtney and his platoon.
Led by Head Coach Brian Callanan, a former forward observer with the United States Marine Corps, the boys embarked on a mission to offer supplies—and hope—to troops stationed overseas. During the movement, which they referred to as “Operation Appreciation,” GSB’s fifth through 12th grade lacrosse players collected and shipped more than 400 lbs. of hand sanitizer, food, socks, bandages and other necessary materials to a battalion in Afghanistan. The boys also wrote letters about patriotism, commitment and honor for 1st Lieutenant Kevin Courtney and his platoon.
In return, the marines offered each team letters of thanks and a flag from their base with a certificate of authenticity. “Receiving those letters made it real for the boys,” said Callanan. “For some of the older players, ‘Operation Appreciation’ deepened their awareness of the state of the world. And for our Middle School players, it made them feel like they were a part of something to which they could actually contribute. Having the older of the two age groups mentor and work with our younger players will help us build a stronger foundation for the program in the future.”
The boys’ lacrosse program hopes to keep in touch with 1st Lt. Courtney and his platoon. In continuing their mission to show appreciation for the United States and its troops, Gill’s high school players will next host a social event—including board games—for disabled veterans at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Lyons, N.J. on November 30.
Gill St. Bernard's School
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.