NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifeAlumniAdvancement
Waddell Organizes Operation SOS; students show support
Apr 22, 2003 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
What can a school community do when the country goes to war? Upper School faculty member Pat Waddell answered that question by initiating Operation SOS (operation support our soldiers). “It seems that during this time, it is fitting for Darlington to contribute support to the people that protect and give their lives for the United States,” Waddell said. “We decided to focus on John Cordle ’80, a Darlington alumnus and son of former Lower School teacher Barbara Cordle. We contacted John to get permission to send something directly to his ship. He was very pleased.”
Cordle is commander of the Austin Oscar, which has been involved in the war in Iraq. He asked for cookies, brownies, and letters. Waddell and various members from across the campus met his request. They sent about 120 letters, many homemade cookies, brownies and lots of Easter candy –approximately 170 pounds of gifts.
Now, Waddell is asking the Upper School community to write letters of support to the family of any Darlington alumni that is participating in any part of the war. “So many people have contributed to this effort. The development office is gathering addresses and names for us; Kathy Drennon [administrative assistant to the headmaster] has given so much of her time; SAGE donated cookies, candy, and pop tarts; Houses contributed in various ways; and several students baked goodies three different times,” Wadell said.
Cordle is commander of the Austin Oscar, which has been involved in the war in Iraq. He asked for cookies, brownies, and letters. Waddell and various members from across the campus met his request. They sent about 120 letters, many homemade cookies, brownies and lots of Easter candy –approximately 170 pounds of gifts.
Now, Waddell is asking the Upper School community to write letters of support to the family of any Darlington alumni that is participating in any part of the war. “So many people have contributed to this effort. The development office is gathering addresses and names for us; Kathy Drennon [administrative assistant to the headmaster] has given so much of her time; SAGE donated cookies, candy, and pop tarts; Houses contributed in various ways; and several students baked goodies three different times,” Wadell said.
