Off to Afghanistan
The gymnasium at Penn Kidder Campus of the Jim Thorpe Area School District overflowed with love and excitement last week as the entire student body and staff gathered for a heartfelt and emotional sendoff for one of their own.
The object of everyone's attention and affection was first-grade teacher Ralph Clay, who will be leaving to serve for the next year with the Naval Reserve in Afghanistan.
One amazing aspect of the event was the fact that, in spite of the large number of people involved, it remained a total secret right up until Clay walked through the door of the gym.
The task of keeping him "in the dark" that morning about the mass of people gathering in the gym fell to Penn Kidder Principal Brian Gasker, who went out for breakfast with Clay while everyone filed into the school's gym.
That all changed the moment he stepped through the door into the gym to shouts and cheers of "Mr. Clay" from students, teachers, staff, friends and family members.
After an introduction by former Jim Thorpe Junior High Principal Jeff James, tributes were paid to Clay, including personal letters written and read by some of his former first-grade students.
Along with the tributes, patriotic songs were performed by the Penn Kidder chorus and Natalie Kmetz.
Those close to Clay know him by his nickname "Puzzy," a moniker used by his father and now by his son.
While pride and appreciation filled the messages from friends of all ages, "be safe" and "we'll miss you" were the feelings expressed as they await his safe return home.
What everyone will be looking forward to most is the welcome home party for him, after his tour is finished.
As Principal Gasker said of the reception on his eventual return home, "There's no party like a Penn Kidder party."
In the meantime, the hopes, thoughts, and prayers of everyone went out to both Clay and all military personnel serving abroad, for a safe and sound return home to their loved ones.
Family members were given red ribbons to tie on the white birch trees in front of the school.
Every month a different class will tie more red ribbons around the trees until he comes home.
Nembers of Clay's family in attendance included his wife Maggie, his son Ralph Clay III, his father Ralph Sr., his mother Linda, his sister Yvonne, and his in-laws.
"It was great," Clay said after the event. "This is the best school and I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. They really put something together that I would have never expected, it really did mean a lot to me and it lifted up my spirits before I leave."
He added, "It was unbelievable. I never expected it. I don't know how they pulled it off, but they did."
While she was speaking during the event, JTASD Superintendent Barbara Conway said "Good Luck and God Speed," to which all present added "Hurry home safe and sound!"