Watch CBS News

West Side Students Share Sympathy Cards For Victims Of Paris Terror Attacks

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Students at a school on the city's West Side on Tuesday presented letters and cards of condolence to the French consul general to Chicago for last month's terror attacks in Paris.

Before the presentation at William Penn Elementary School in the North Lawndale neighborhood, some students read a few of the letters.

"I know the people that got killed was innocent, and innocent kids in Chicago get killed almost every day. So I know what you're going through, and I just want to say your family is in my prayers," sixth grader Sierra Taylor said.

Seventh grader Devante Gaston read classmate Brianna Townsend's letter:

"Dear Parisians. I am truly and deeply sorry about what happened to your wonderful city. It seems like every day, someone is trying to ruin something beautiful. I always dreamed of traveling around the world and the first place I wanted to visit is Paris. And, I still wouldn't have it any other way. You have William Penn in Chicago and Americans' full support. I hope France recovers from the horrible attacks. Sincerely, Brianna Townsend."

Consul General Vincent Floreani was happy to accept the students' expressions of sympathy.

"It means a lot to us that these younger people think about an event very far away," he said.

Deputy Consul General Jean-Christophe Paris has an eight-year old daughter back in France, and told the Penn students "she's suffering so much from what happened in Paris, because all the children they are really now fearful."

"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I have no voice, no words to tell you how much we feel," he added.

Podcast

Floreani also presented the school with a check for $600 for the school's fund to buy new computers.

The connection between the school and the French consulate was worked out by Louvenia Hood of Mothers Opposed to Violence Everywhere, and her husband, Rev. Robin Hood.

"It shows the students here at Penn (are) not selfish and they have love for humanity all over the world," she said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.