Strasburg Elementary marks Palentine’s Day with service projects

Strasburg Elementary students celebrated the third annual Palentine’s Day Feb. 13. Classes from kindergarten through fifth grade completed service projects to learn what it means to be a pal to someone or something.

Kindergarten students heard from Sofia Poorman, daughter of Miranda and Chase Locker of Strasburg, who spoke about her stays at Akron Children’s Hospital and her surgeries. Poorman said she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in February 2025 and spent extended time in the hospital.

“I had three surgeries, one on my kidney. The doctors put a port in, and then they took it out,” she said. “I made one friend in the hospital.”

Poorman said she enjoys art, crafts and drawing pictures of people.

Jessica Edwards, a member of the Parents Teachers Group, told students to be mindful that the items they selected would be given to a child who is ill.

“When you touch the items you are placing in the bag, it is going to be given to an ill child,” Edwards said. “Think about the boy or girl that will receive the bag when selecting the items.”

Students selected items to pack for hospital bags. Each kindergarten student packed five items, including puzzles, coloring books, crayons and a goodie bag.

Forty-one fourth graders visited the Strasburg Senior Center, located in the Strasburg United Methodist Church. Students played bingo and were served refreshments. Three games were played, and prizes were awarded to winners.

Kiyla Chewing said she liked playing bingo, and Emily Zedaker said she liked getting gifts.

Students also donated supplies to the senior center for meals and activities offered Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Later in the day, students held a party and exchanged valentines.

Kayla Hite coordinates the Palentine project. Service project sites included: kindergarten, Akron Children’s Hospital; first grade, Strasburg Carpenters; second grade, Sycamore Nursing Home and Rehabilitation; third grade, Tuscarawas County Humane Society; fourth grade, Strasburg Senior Center; and fifth grade, Friends of the Homeless.