On Tuesday, December 18, Adaire School held its fourth annual Heroes Brunch to celebrate and honor local crossing guards, police officers and firefighters who help keep our children and community safe day-in and day-out.
Organized by Home and School Initiative President Tina Mil and other volunteer parents, the brunch featured a delicious selection of sausage, gravy, scrambled eggs, English muffins, potatoes, pancakes, beverages and desserts. The feast was donated and prepared by parents of Adaire students as well as teachers who also wanted to show their appreciation for the local heroes.
Mil, who has been president of Home and School for seven years, worked very hard on the brunch and is very close to the cause—she has two boys currently attending Adaire, two daughters who have graduated from the school, and her husband is a firefighter for Ladder 16.
“We decided that this brunch is a way to give back to the firefighters, crossing guards and police officers who are wonderful to our kids,” said Mil.
Frank Mil, Tina’s husband, has been at Ladder 16 for nine years, and believes that this event is a great way to step away from negative things going on in the neighborhood.
“It’s great to feel appreciated,” said Mil, as he enjoyed some sausage and gravy—a firehouse favorite.
Mrs. Mil pointed out how parents are especially appreciative of the Crossing Guards who make sure that their children get to school safely every morning.
“The Crossing Guards are like second parents to the kids. They know each of them by name and are all neighborhood people,” said Mil.
Crossing Guards Helen Mullen and Linda Thompson are both Fishtown residents and have been watching over the neighborhood’s youngsters for over 20 years. Both feel as though the children who they help cross the street are kids of their own.
“Stuff like this makes us feel good about doing our job,” said Thompson.
Adaire students also chimed in on what their local heroes mean to them. Eighth graders John Lane and Emmanuel Briggs, who were taking pictures for the school yearbook, had plenty of kind words for those who serve the community.
“We are thanking them and showing them that our home is their home. They always help us out so we can help them out,” said Briggs.
“They’re really cool guys and should keep prospering because they are really helping us out,” said Lane.
After the brunch, Karen Phillips-Banks, a second grade teacher who has been at Adaire for 14 years, organized a winter concert for the heroes in attendance.
“This is our third year doing this to help put a little holiday spirit in our school. I thought it would be a great way to kick off the holidays,” said Phillips-Banks.
The concert featured various Christmas poems, songs and renditions from the kindergarten, first, second and third grade classrooms, as well as a dance performance from the Special Education classroom. Performances included all the holiday favorites—“Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Reindeer,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Principal Jenette Oddo wanted to show her appreciation to the members of Home and School who made the event possible, as well as send out a reminder to all Fishtown families over the holidays. “We are grateful for our long-standing [Home and School] President for working tirelessly in putting these events together,” said Oddo. “Have a safe and happy holiday, and remember to spend time with your children this holiday season.”
