thedrifter
10-22-08, 04:04 AM
First-grader's project winds up joining Marines
October 21, 2008
By JENNIFER ZIMMERMAN
http://media1.pioneerlocal.com/multimedia/ws-stanley-102108-p6_pp_feed_20081021_11_30_44_82-116-165.imageContent
When 8-year-old Jake Wheelihan of Western Springs was told to create his own version of famous children's book character Flat Stanley, he had big ideas in mind about what the paper doll's adventures would entail.
But never did he imagine that the small man with brown crayon specs for hair and lightly-colored green pants would become a project that united a family, and brought enjoyment to group of soldiers in a faraway war.
Created two years ago in Jake's first-grade classroom at John Laidlaw Elementary School, the idea was to teach students about a world outside of their own through the paper cut-out based on the Flat Stanley book series written by Jeff Brown.
Students were told to mail their Stanley to a relative or friend who would then write about what he experienced, and send him back near the end of the school year for the children to report on his travels.
"It's a marvelous opportunity for the kids to realize that the world extends beyond the borders of Western Springs," said Laidlaw Principal Cathy Powell.
So off he went to Kansas City to stay with Jake's aunt, Elisabeth Wheelihan, who brought Flat Stanley along as a member of the patriot guard, a group of Harley Davidson riders that do send-off and welcome-home parades for soldiers.
Elisabeth Wheelihan grew attached the small figure, as had the rest of the Marines Flat Stanley had met -- so much so that one marine, Tom Gillespie, even asked that Flat Stanley be sent out to serve with his unit in Iraq.
"There is this aspect of everyone's life that they want to share with a kid, and you can do that through Flat Stanley," said his aunt.
Since his arrival, Flat Stanley has become a source of amusement for more than just one soldier, as the paper-doll travels in the pockets of Marines, seeing everything from the barracks to restricted sites.
He rode in Humvees, stood behind some powerful weapons and has been a good source of entertainment for a group of soldiers living in a stressful situation.
"Can you imagine something so little and simple, bringing so much happiness?" asked Elisabeth Wheelihan.
And the classroom project hasn't just entertained the troops, but also improved the relationship Elisabeth shares with her nephew, Jake.
"It kind of breaks my heart that they don't get to see each other, but this has really brought them together," said Jake's mother, Marlaine Wheelihan.
When will Flat Stanley return to his hometown? Elisabeth Wheelihan said it all depends on how long the soldiers need him to stay.
"If he is making those 33 Marines happy, wouldn't you want him to stay?" she asked.
Ellie
October 21, 2008
By JENNIFER ZIMMERMAN
http://media1.pioneerlocal.com/multimedia/ws-stanley-102108-p6_pp_feed_20081021_11_30_44_82-116-165.imageContent
When 8-year-old Jake Wheelihan of Western Springs was told to create his own version of famous children's book character Flat Stanley, he had big ideas in mind about what the paper doll's adventures would entail.
But never did he imagine that the small man with brown crayon specs for hair and lightly-colored green pants would become a project that united a family, and brought enjoyment to group of soldiers in a faraway war.
Created two years ago in Jake's first-grade classroom at John Laidlaw Elementary School, the idea was to teach students about a world outside of their own through the paper cut-out based on the Flat Stanley book series written by Jeff Brown.
Students were told to mail their Stanley to a relative or friend who would then write about what he experienced, and send him back near the end of the school year for the children to report on his travels.
"It's a marvelous opportunity for the kids to realize that the world extends beyond the borders of Western Springs," said Laidlaw Principal Cathy Powell.
So off he went to Kansas City to stay with Jake's aunt, Elisabeth Wheelihan, who brought Flat Stanley along as a member of the patriot guard, a group of Harley Davidson riders that do send-off and welcome-home parades for soldiers.
Elisabeth Wheelihan grew attached the small figure, as had the rest of the Marines Flat Stanley had met -- so much so that one marine, Tom Gillespie, even asked that Flat Stanley be sent out to serve with his unit in Iraq.
"There is this aspect of everyone's life that they want to share with a kid, and you can do that through Flat Stanley," said his aunt.
Since his arrival, Flat Stanley has become a source of amusement for more than just one soldier, as the paper-doll travels in the pockets of Marines, seeing everything from the barracks to restricted sites.
He rode in Humvees, stood behind some powerful weapons and has been a good source of entertainment for a group of soldiers living in a stressful situation.
"Can you imagine something so little and simple, bringing so much happiness?" asked Elisabeth Wheelihan.
And the classroom project hasn't just entertained the troops, but also improved the relationship Elisabeth shares with her nephew, Jake.
"It kind of breaks my heart that they don't get to see each other, but this has really brought them together," said Jake's mother, Marlaine Wheelihan.
When will Flat Stanley return to his hometown? Elisabeth Wheelihan said it all depends on how long the soldiers need him to stay.
"If he is making those 33 Marines happy, wouldn't you want him to stay?" she asked.
Ellie