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Maumee middle school students thank alumni for their service

Aside from remembering the victims and events of 9/11, students in Maumee took it a step further by writing thank you letters to Gateway Middle School's alumni.

MAUMEE, Ohio — Gateway Middle School's 8th graders took time out of their day Wednesday to show appreciation to those protecting our nation.

Gateway Middle School history teacher Matt Smaltz and his students wanted to remember why 9/11 is important by writing letters. But they wanted the letters to focus on people from their community.  

Smaltz said that by writing the letters, the students are able to see that there are a lot of local civilians tasked with protecting our country.

"Many of these kids are post 9/11. They don't remember; it's pre-history to them. So just giving a day of service, a day of thanking those first responders - whether they're military or EMS or other things in our community - is really important. And it gives them a sense of giving back to the community that gives us a lot," he said. 

Smatlz said the students have been working for on the cards for two days - each one will go to people who have graduated from Maumee Schools. In total, they have made 100 cards with a personal and unique message.

The alumni who will receive the letters are in various parts of the world while some still live locally. The letters will be sent out this week.

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