Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/436829
her fee. Dozens of businesses and organizations gave financial donations. Inmates at the local prison sold their artwork and donated the proceeds to support the cause. "The community response here has been overwhelmingly positive and affectionate toward Jerral," says Goodreau. "Everybody wanted to see him in a better situation." The biggest boost came from actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, best known for his portrayal of a veteran with disabilities in the movie Forrest Gump. Sinise heard about the project and came to Lancaster High School to meet the students and Hancock. After praising the students for their efforts, he donated $60,000 to the cause and announced that he would bring his Lt. Dan Band, in which he plays bass, to the Antelope Valley for a community concert, with all of the proceeds going toward the new Hancock home. Hancock is enormously grateful for all the support. "I am humbled by the students and Mrs. Goodreau for taking on such a monumental project that has never been done or attempted to my knowl- edge," he says. "I am completely honored by the huge response and support of my community. People continue to show up to fundraisers and have supported me. I've met a lot of great folks along the way. I want to sincerely thank all the students and adults who have helped out with OATH and its fundraisers." Nothing is impossible For students involved in the project, it has been an incredible learning curve. "I learned that nothing is impossible," says Martin Gonzales. "If you set your mind to accomplishing something, no matter how big or small it may seem, it is doable. In this case, I learned that if a bunch of teenagers are willing to build a h o u s e , w e c o u l d d o i t . OAT H h a s changed me for the better. It taught me to Feature Jerral Hancock gets support from actor Gary Sinise, who brought his Lt. Dan Band to play a community concert, with all the proceeds going to Hancock's new house. The students have already raised more than $420,000 toward the $500,000 project, which broke ground in May. The students have already raised more than $420,000 For more information or to make a donation to help the students bring Jerral Hancock "all the way home," visit www.OperationAllTheWayHome.com. Go Online @ become more aware of our veteran community, and that it's time we gave something back." "This has changed my perspective of retired or active duty military personnel and what they have to go through when they return to civilian life," says student Rachel Hewitt. "It has taught me to value the sacrifices they make to keep our country free." "This experience has helped me be more mature," says Tia Phillips. "It taught me that I can be a leader." The history teacher is proud to see students leading the way in Lancaster. Project-based learning, community service, and honoring veterans have been a class tradition for the past 15 years in Goodreau's classes. Operation All The Way Home is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and will continue after Hancock's home is complete. OATH will continue as a youth-driven organization that will assist veterans and their families, while empowering students through hands-on experience, learning lessons about leadership, community service and civic responsibility. "These kids are actually leaders in our community," says Goodreau. "We don't have to wait for them to grow up to become civic leaders. They can do that right now." C O U R T E S Y P H O T O S 12 www.cta.org