Students from the Pine Bush Summer Youth Leadership academy served sweet treats and a smile last Thursday when they hosted an ice cream social for Pine Bush veterans.

Veterans chattered inside the Catholic War Veterans Hall while students served them cups of chocolate ice cream piled high with toppings. Students also handed out home-made cards thanking veterans for their service.

Veteran Marry Perry served in the Marines during peacetime in the 1970s, after the Vietnam War. She worked on the supply side in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

Perry said events such as these show that the youth and other members of the community care. The recognition is especially important for Vietnam veterans, who didn’t receive much recognition or appreciation when they returned from the war.

“I think it’s wonderful because it makes us feel appreciated,” Perry said. “We were sort of forgotten for a while.”

Summer Youth Leadership Academy Coordinator Lisa Perry said the academy teaches students teamwork and leadership skills. Students learn how to work with others through activities such as building paper towers or making boats out of aluminum foil. Students also learn about leadership opportunities through field trips such as a trip to the Pine Bush Ambulance Corps.

Students were selected for the Summer Youth Leadership Academy by their teachers, Perry said. 18 students are enrolled in the program this summer, which runs five days a week throughout July.