The American Legion family of Pacific Beach is making significant contributions to local education by partnering with the Friends of Kate Sessions Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). This collaboration aims to help subsidize enrichment programs at Sessions Elementary, a school serving over 410 students, nearly half of whom come from military families.
Located in Pacific Beach, San Diego, the American Legion family, which encompasses the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), and Sons of the American Legion, operates out of VFW Post 5985 on Turquoise Street. Their efforts focus on supporting veterans and active-duty personnel while also engaging in community service, education, and youth programs.
The financial landscape for public education in San Diego has become increasingly challenging. The San Diego Unified School District no longer funds essential programs such as music, science, physical education, and art. As a result, each school must raise up to $150,000 annually to support these vital components of their curriculum. Recognizing this need, the Pacific Beach American Legion family has been actively supporting Sessions Elementary for approximately one year.
In 2022, the ALA Unit 552 hosted a successful comedy night fundraiser, raising $1,700 for the Friends of Kate Sessions PTO. More recently, in December 2025, the PTO organized an event called Cookies with Santa, which catered specifically to active-duty families with children enrolled at Sessions. Each participating family received a commissary gift card, and Santa personally met with every child, distributing gifts to all in attendance.
Additionally, the partnership has extended to a bingo fundraiser that generated $1,585 in net proceeds for the Friends of Kate Sessions PTO. This initiative demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the American Legion family to support educational enrichment for students, especially those from military backgrounds.
The collaboration between the Pacific Beach American Legion family and the Friends of Kate Sessions PTO is thriving. The ALA expressed enthusiasm about working closely with a school that maintains a strong active-duty family presence. The organization finds it rewarding to support various programs within the community, which fosters a sense of connection and belonging among families.
Looking ahead, more collaborative events are planned for 2026, underscoring the commitment of both organizations to enhance educational opportunities for students at Sessions Elementary. As the need for funding continues, the Pacific Beach American Legion family remains dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of local families and students.
