First graders present Elk Ridge with American flag from Iraq pen pal

Laura Shiplet James’ first grade students at Elk Ridge School were recently sent an American flag from Iraq by their U.S. Navy pen pal, Daniel Young of Mansfield, PA. The class decided to present the flag to Elk Ridge so it could fly over their school just as it had flown over the base where Mr. Young was stationed.

In addition to corresponding with Mr. Young, the class sent care packages at Christmas and other times during the school year for him and his fellow service men and women. The class also held a fruit and vegetable sale to raise money to adopt Bald Eagles at the Philadelphia Zoo in Mr. Young’s honor.

Laura Shiplet James’ first grade students recently presented Elk Ridge School with an American flag sent from Iraq by their U.S. Navy pen pal, Daniel Young. Pictured front from left are Angel Torres-Alcantar, Daniel Wright, Madison Brough and Zachary Pannell; rear from left are Mrs. James, Assistant Principal Leah McComsey, and Honor Guard members from American Legion Post 194, Rising Sun, MD, Dick Richardson, U.S. Navy Ret.; Chuck Allport, U.S. Navy Ret.; Russ Gulick, U.S. Navy Ret.; and guard commander Bill Crouch, U.S. Air Force Ret.