MARBLEHEAD — Veterans Middle School’s eighth graders were treated to a well-earned ice cream social on Thursday after emerging as the top fundraising class in support of Wreaths Across America, an effort dedicated to honoring fallen veterans through the placement of remembrance wreaths.
In their inaugural year leading Wreaths Across America in town, organizers Emily DeJoy and Kimberly Crowley set an ambitious goal: to raise enough money for 2,500 wreaths. Thanks to overwhelming support from students, families, and the community, they not only met that goal, but they also exceeded it by 200 wreaths. The achievement quickly became a testament to Marblehead’s patriotism and its deep commitment to honoring those who served. The pair raised approximately $46,000 for the organization, allowing them to place a wreath on every veteran’s headstone in Marblehead.
Veterans Middle School’s eighth graders played a standout role in the townwide effort. One advisory group, led by teacher Maura Dartley-Rocco, a seventh- and eighth-grade health educator, emerged as the school’s top fundraiser. Her students sold 42 wreaths, contributing to the schoolwide total of 266 wreaths donated by the school’s students alone, or more than $700.
Dartley-Rocco expressed immense pride in her students’ initiative.
“I’m super proud of them. It was all their own planning and doing,” she said. “They got together during school to plan how they would canvass the neighborhoods, and were very motivated to be successful in this endeavor for our town’s veterans.”
She described the group as exceptional leaders: “They are among the strongest student leaders in the school. They are self-starters. They are kind, and it is truly a pleasure to be working with them.”
Principal Matt LeVangie emphasized that the fundraiser offered a meaningful lesson in civic engagement.
He shared that Veterans Middle School strives to teach students that they are “not just a school, but part of the community,” and that understanding what it means to give back is essential to their education
That message resonated with students. Many expressed pride in contributing to a cause honoring local veterans.
Eighth grader Sophie Dulac said the accomplishment felt “amazing,” noting that determination and teamwork fueled their success.
Standing next to her, eighth grader Isabell Lindbread said, “The ice cream social makes us feel so special.”
Eighth grader Hudson Moore said that he “had a feeling we were going to win it from the start” because of how committed their group was from day one. “We were determined,” he said with a smile
His classmate, Cooper Wilson, said the group of students “took charge” and took the initiative “very seriously.”
During Thursday’s celebration, students lined up for ice cream, posed for photos, and reflected on what the fundraiser meant to them. The joyful atmosphere underscored how community service, when paired with student leadership, can spark enthusiasm and pride.
As organizer, DeJoy told the students during the event: “Thank you so much for what you do. You helped us surpass our goal… We’re really grateful.”
After the event, she added, “From the start, our mission was to get kids involved to really pass on that mission to teach that our freedom is not free, and to honor those who really fought for us. And it shows that this next generation really cares; it is an incredible feeling.”
Crowley said, “This is a really sweet group of kids; this is really special.”
The success of this year’s Wreaths Across America effort has set a high bar for future classes and has highlighted what local students can achieve when given the opportunity to lead with purpose.
With hundreds of wreaths now set to be placed in honor of veterans, Marblehead’s youth have shown that remembrance and respect remain deeply rooted values in the next generation.
