SOUTHWICK – When students at Southwick Regional School walk through the Veterans Memorial Foyer, they pass by military portraits of four former students killed while serving their country. Many of them may not pay much attention to these photos, but they now have a special significance to one group of students.

On Dec. 17, Ryder Pieczarka, Kaila Pieczarka, Lena Michael, Brielle Ensign, Diane Seddon, Wyatt Baker, Marisa Coviello, Austin Mason and Nick Goodwin will be among hundreds of volunteers who will lay 9,000 wreaths at headstones of every veteran buried at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Agawam.

Their efforts are part of a national Wreaths Across America event. This nonprofit organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,400 cemeteries in the United States and abroad. The objective is to remember veterans at rest, honor those who serve their country and teach America’s future leaders the value of freedom.

The Southwick students raised $2,000 to purchase wreaths by fundraising at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Westfield’s Little River Plaza in November. For five hours on a Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to noon, they held signs and collected donations.

But it was more than just about collecting money, said Lena Michael, a junior who became involved with the community service project this fall.

“When I first showed up, I was tired and cold. But then I realized it was really important, not just for my school, but for the people we’re representing – our community, Wreaths Across America and veterans and their families. I felt good about being there and serving a purpose for something more important than myself.”

One day Michael stopped to read the names of the former students – William Alamed, Travis Fuller, Richard Power and Steven Wentworth – and the dates each one was born and killed.

“I was just astonished that some of them were only 18 – just out of high school. It really made me think about people who dedicate their entire lives to our country,” she said. “We think that after high school you go to college and get a job. But some people really just take a different path.”

She said being involved with Wreaths Across America made her understand the importance and value of military service as well as the role veterans play in trying to make a positive change for their country: “When I see their portraits, it gives me a new perspective on life. Their sacrifices make me realize I shouldn’t take anything for granted.”

Senior Ryder Pieczarka, who comes from a military family, has been raising money for Wreaths Across America since he was a freshman. Now, he’s the leader of the student group and has been recruiting younger students to get involved in this important cause.

“Veterans made the ultimate sacrifice for our country by fighting for our freedom. It’s a very brave thing to do, so I think it’s really important to support” Wreaths Across America, he said. “It acknowledges, honors and respects veterans who served and, in some cases, made the ultimate sacrifice.”

What’s stuck with Pieczarka is the number of donations from people with a family member at the Agawam cemetery.

“I come from a family of veterans – my great-grandfather fought in World War II and my great-uncle fought in Vietnam –so  it made me realize that, in a sense, with Wreaths Across America, I’m kind of supporting my own family.”

The same day he will be in Agawam placing wreaths on headstones, his grandfather will be at a cemetery in North Adams honoring Pieczarka’s great-grandfather.

Marisa Coviello, who has visited Arlington National Cemetery and also comes from a military family, joined the fundraising group this fall. The freshman called it a “great cause,” adding, “It’s awesome to have a veterans cemetery so close to home so we can see what it’s like to actually put wreaths on graves.”

She said Wreaths Across America is a great way to bring together several communities for a common cause.

“Many families still have someone serving in the military or have someone buried at the Agawam cemetery. They can relate to each other and come together by placing wreaths on veterans’ graves during the holiday season. It brings a smile to my face knowing I’m making a difference for these people and helping brighten their holiday.”

This will be the first time senior Brielle Ensign will place wreaths at the cemetery.

“Seeing rows of headstones is definitely going to be very impactful for me,” she said. “Even though I’ve been volunteering and hearing stories from other people, it will be a very emotional experience. It will probably hit me hardest when I place a wreath and read aloud the name on the headstone.”

At the weekend fundraiser, Diane Seddon talked with many veterans grateful for what students were doing for Wreaths Across America. The senior said she was unaware there was a veterans cemetery so close to Southwick until she joined the group.

“I also discovered that there are a lot of people around here who have an emotional connection to the cemetery,” she said.

“Veterans gave so much to us, it’s only fair that we give back, but their sacrifices are far greater than we could even possibly give back,” added senior Austin Mason. “I’ve learned how widespread and impactful Wreaths Across America is – not just to those who served, but also their friends and family.”

Southwick Regional School Assistant Principal Michael Pescitelli called Wreaths Across America a “noble cause,” adding that community service is a valuable part of the school’s overall educational experience.

“There’s no better way to show appreciation for veterans than to remember them around the holiday season,” he said.

Desiree Moriarty, a U.S. history teacher at the school who assists the student group, explained that service to country is a theme throughout her course. She said Wreaths Across America gives students the opportunity to “witness the sacrifices of others” as well as to serve in their own way. 

Moriarty said what’s “wonderful” about this group of students is that their involvement with the wreath-laying event is entirely student-led.

“Funds were raised entirely by students who dedicated their own time and talents,” she said. “I’m happy to support them and am so proud of them.”

More than 1,700 volunteers are expected to help lay wreaths at the nearly 9,000 Christian graves at the state veterans cemetery on Dec. 17. All are welcome. Participants should park at Six Flags New England, 1623 Main St., Agawam, starting at 8 a.m.; a shuttle bus will take them to the cemetery. The opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m., followed by the distribution of wreaths.