Local 369 sponsored 32 deserving children from Boston’s Mather School to a special all-day outing June 5.The Mather School, located at 1 Parish Street, Dorchester, is America ’s oldest elementary school, with 486 students, and seven programs in place for gifted children. Larry Walsh, Community Liaison Officer for UWUA Local 369, said that the union had approached the school with the idea of rewarding “deserving” children.

“We weren’t necessarily looking for the highest academic achievers,” said Walsh, who added, “We wanted to reward children who in the opinion of their teachers deserved a reward for their overall effort.” With that in mind, teachers from the school selected 32 students in four classes who participated in the event on June 5.

The 32 students and 3 teachers began their day at 9 a.m. with a chartered ride courtesy of Crystal Transportation of Brighton to the Coast Guard cutter Spencer, where they had an hour and a half tour of this 270’ ship that is harbored near Hanover Street in Boston. The ship’s tour was followed by lunch on the waterfront, and then they were off to Fenway Park for an official tour of where Red Sox Nation is making sports history this season with a wide lead in the American League East. . “It’s an All-Star Day for our All-Stars,” said Walsh, who said, “We are pleased to have a chance to help the teachers from Mather School give back to their student community.”

The students were also treated to a special escort to and from the Mathers School by three Boston Police Motorcycle patrolmen which was a thrill for them and made them feel like celebrities.

President Gary Sullivan said, “We are very pleased to have the chance to work with the Mather Elementary School and its students. It’s great to have a chance to reward those students who are deserving of special recognition.
Deserving Kids: Tour of Coast Guard ShipDeserving KidsDeserving Kids Tour of Fenway Park

Boston Motorcylce Patrolmen and Crystal Transport Provide VIP Travel