Stephanie Jorgenson’s third grade class put together a surprise for a fellow classmate.  

Jaeger Sapp’s dad, Jeremiah, is in the United States Coast Guard and the Henning third grader likely won’t get to see him for Christmas.  

Jorgenson and the rest of the class decided that they would surprise Sapp with a special Patriotic Pillowcase for his dad. Each member of the class took turns sewing on the pillow case, made of recycled red, white, and blue t-shirts. They created a secret “pocket” for his dad to save special things inside of. On top of surprising him with the pillowcase, the students also wrote Christmas cards to Sapp’s dad. 

“The class used a special code to talk to each other about writing the cards and sewing the pillow case,” said Jorgenson. “And the entire time, Jaeger thought each student was writing to their own families. That is pretty neat to watch.”  

Jorgenson said Sapp was very excited when they started talking about sending the pillowcase to someone in the military.

Jorgenson asked Sapp “what if we sent this to your dad, Jaeg?” 

There was no way to contain the happiness that Sapp showed when he realized that the kids had planned this all without him. He helped to sew on the pillowcase, and made his own card for his dad. 

“It was all so special. Continuing this tradition each year as a teacher is really important to me,” said Jorgenson, “Having special people in my life that have been active in the military and protecting our country has been my drive. Coming to Henning has only opened up more opportunity to reach out to those serving.” 

Jorgenson has been teaching in Henning for four years, and her classes have written to Gretchen Freed, Fargo, N.D., TJ Rinicker, Henning, Kendra Thoennes, Parkers Prairie, Christian Rose, California, and Devon Brekke, Fargo, N.D.  

“The students are just as excited as the recipient of the letters and packages. It creates awareness and opens their mind to think of others’, especially at this time of year,” said Jorgenson. “We are all thankful for Jaeger’s dad and everyone else keeping us safe out there.” 

“It was all so special. Continuing this tradition each year as a teacher is really important to me,” said Jorgenson, “Having special people in my life that have been active in the military and protecting our country has been my drive. Coming to Henning has only opened up more opportunity to reach out to those serving.”