A class of elementary students recently learned that gratitude is contagious.

Third-graders at Pleasant Hill Elementary heard from a thankful parent after sending care packages to active duty military.

Before winter break, students sent holiday cards, without knowing their destination, to deployed service members. As it turns out, the cards arrived on a US Navy aircraft carrier.

One of them reached a soldier with local connections.

The in-laws of that recipient, Mike and Pam Turner, live in Lexington.

Pam Turner visited PHES Jan. 11 to deliver a video message from her son on the aircraft carrier.

PHES third-graders appreciated the opportunity to show their gratitude to a community member serving his country.