Academy Students Support Operation At Ease

Faculty member initiative reflects Albany Academy’s commitment to service and community engagement

As we celebrate this season of giving, we are grateful to highlight moments when our school has come together to support the greater Capital Region. One meaningful example was guided by P.E. faculty member and veteran Mr. Darin Rafferty P'27.

Mr. Rafferty invited the Albany Academy community to participate in a donation drive for Operation At Ease, an organization that rescues shelter dogs and pairs them with veterans and first responders. The program provides free guided training for post-traumatic stress and mobility support, offering life-changing assistance and a second chance for the dogs they place.

Students collected essential items to help the organization continue its mission. One of Mr. Rafferty’s Middle School classes then had the opportunity to share the donations with a representative from Operation At Ease, who visited school along with Beasley, one of the program’s dogs. 

This experience offered students a meaningful reminder of how service work connects classroom learning to real-world impact.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Rafferty, and to the students and families who contributed to this effort. Your generosity strengthens our connection to the community and reflects the caring spirit at the heart of Albany Academy.