The first day of school can often cause stress and anxiety for students and parents alike.
Getting up at a certain time, packing the right lunch and finding the right outfit or school uniform all can be unsettling, especially after a less structured summer.
Fortunately, for students at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School in Orland Hills on Monday, the first day was made a bit easier by a familiar face that greeted them as they arrived.
Leo, the black Labrador retriever who serves as the Orland Park Police Department’s therapy dog, was on hand, er paw, to greet the younger students as they arrived with their parents.
Laid back and totally chill, Leo, whose handler is Orland Park police Officer Rich Miller, greeted students as they entered the school. Most of the students and the parents stopped to pet Leo and some posed for photos with him. Miller also handed out trading cards featuring Leo to the incoming students.
“I really enjoy coming to the school with Leo because the kids love seeing him,” Officer Miller said. “They are so appreciative we are here, especially today on the first day of school when the younger students may need a friendly and familiar face.”
The gentle canine is somewhat of a celebrity around these parts as he and Miller have been to the school on several occasions for different events over the last couple of years. Miller’s daughter Lacey is a second grader at the school.
Amy and Drew Dudgeon of Tinley Park were dropping off their children Eliza, 6, and Aiden, 4, for their first day back to school.
“I think it’s great for the kids to see a familiar face when they return to school after being off for the summer,” said Amy Dudgeon.
“They are already excited about seeing their teachers and their friends. And it is nice that they get to see Leo who has visited the school in the past. He is such a good dog.”
Angela Vitellaro, of Tinley Park, whose son Aaron is an eighth grader, stopped by the drop-off area for the younger students to get a glimpse of Leo.
“I think (having a therapy dog) here for the first day of school is fantastic,” Vitellaro said. “Who doesn’t love dogs? And what Officer Miller and Leo do to ease students’ anxiety and stress about coming to school is fantastic.”
Opening day ceremonies at Bernardin School on Monday also included a visit from members of the Bremen American Legion Post 2791, who posted colors and led the students in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rev. Kevin McCray, from the adjacent St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, was on hand for a blessing of the flag as well as the students and the new school year.
School officials said the new year would be a momentous one as the school is marking its 25th anniversary and will be hosting numerous events throughout the year.
Jim Hook is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
