Gratitude in the Community: North-Central Region
Students from the North-Central Region Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) program kicked off their school year with a powerful lesson in appreciation. Focusing on the theme of Gratitude, Group 3 students (12-15 yrs of age) from Milwaukee, WI, and Group 2 students (9-12 yrs of age) from Detroit Metro, MI, dedicated their first quarter to meaningfully honor those who provide community stability and safety.
Recognizing that police officers play a vital role in ensuring the foundation for peaceful living and learning, the children handcrafted colorful Gratitude Cards filled with heartfelt personal messages of thanks and encouragement.
- In Schools, students presented cards to their school security officers, thanking them for the daily protection that allows them to focus on their studies.
- Groups of SSE students visited police stations in Milwaukee, WI, and Farmington Hills, MI, personally delivering gratitude cards to officers on duty.
The gesture left a lasting impression on the officers, many of whom were visibly moved by the children's recognition of their sacrifices. The SSE project beautifully reflected the lessons the children learned - to be aware of the many forms of love and support we receive, which often go unacknowledged, and to express our gratitude with humility for the sacrifice and dedication with which police officers serve their communities.
By acknowledging the vital role police play in neighborhood safety, these young citizens are proving that character building starts with a simple, heartfelt "thank you."
A couple of students shared their reflections:
“I felt nice and grateful that our school officer was there to protect me. And he was so moved when I gave him the card; he kept thanking me. That made me feel even happier!” – Varshini
“When I was waiting to give the card, I felt grateful, and I thought about my school officer who is ready to risk his life to save ours. Then the policewoman came, and she seemed really tired. So, when we told her that we were here to give them our homemade gratitude cards, her face lit up. They’ve been there serving and protecting our cities for so long, and I was happy that I could make her day.” – Raghavan.