A teacher at Panther Valley Elementary School recently acknowledged two P.V. graduates, Corporal George Tessitore and Lance Corporal Lee Thear, who both entered the U.S. Marines together and attended basic training together.

Third grade teacher Heather Wagner invited the soldiers to the school to honor them.They both just returend from Afghanistan after serving for seven months there living in tents. They related their experiences to the third graders at PVES in Nesquehoning. Many questions were fired at the two Marines who will be stationed at Camp LeJeune after their leave. They will be discharged in June after serving for four years.Corporal Tessitore said he will then enter the PA State Police and Lance Corporal Thear will study to become a teacher.They have traveled to more than eight states and love their jobs. At Christmas the third grade collected gifts for the Marines and sent them out, with postage paid by the PTO.Students performed a musical skit for their guests and gave them gifts along with jello treats. The soldiers got the chance to visit each third grade class room and answer questions.