student with first responders

CHSD170 Student John Schuricht-Head Continues to Honor First Responders

John Schuricht-Head, a student at School District 170's Grant School, recently visited the home stations of the Chicago Heights Police and Fire Departments to honor their efforts and in recognition of "the city's "First Responder Day."

Schuricht-Head, a student in Cheri Wright's third-grade classroom, is the grandson of long-time School District 170 teacher and administrator Barbara McCulley and the son of Lana Head, a teacher at the district's Jefferson School.

The visits continued his commitment to honor the first responders in celebration of the first anniversary of the day that he petitioned the City Council to endorse.

"The idea for a First Responder Day started with John's participation in a Veteran's Day celebration," McCulley said.

"Later, he became committed to seeing that a day honoring the police, fire, and emergency service personnel who serve our city would become an annual event," Head added.

During his visits, Schuricht-Head distributed munchkin donuts and thank you "survival kits" - popcorn boxes filled with Snickers, Life Savers, Starbursts, Peppermint Chocolates, Hershey Kisses, and chewing gum. Each package also contained a note saying, "You are a hero; THANK YOU for all you do!"

Grant School Principal Marco Pellillo saluted Shuricht-Head's efforts, saying, "John is a fine student and a conscientious and courteous young man whose efforts to recognize the first responders of the community is well worthy of recognition and appreciation."