Students Challenged To Help Veterans, Others
Just as they were last year, students at Wawasee High School were challenged during Monday morning’s annual Veterans Day program to help military veterans and others during the holiday season. And students will have more than one option to do so.
It was noted during the program, held in the main spectator gymnasium, veterans make up a substantial portion of those utilizing food stamps and food pantries. The recent Stuff the Bus food drive sponsored by the high school Key Club brought in approximately 1,600 pounds of food for the three local pantries, but more help is needed during an especially busy time of the year.
Wawasee’s student leadership committee is holding the Heat Up The Night food drive through Dec. 6 where non-perishable food items can be donated. Businesses or individuals are also being asked for $50 donations and each of the donations will be presented to help pay electric bills for those in need. Students who bring at least 10 food items will spend the evening from 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, until 6 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, outside on the campus grounds to experience what it is like for the homeless.
WHS Principal Mike Schmidt said students will get one minute of “tech” time for every food item they bring. Those minutes can be used to come inside the high school to warm up or to use cellphones. “We are also asking parents to come to the school to cook breakfast for the kids that morning (Dec. 7),” he added.
Also during the Veterans Day program, students were challenged to participate in the Toy Time Toy Drive for underprivileged children from Nov. 18 until Dec. 11. Another option is the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).
Geoff Walmer, WHS assistant principal, told the students they can still shake a veteran’s hand and thank them for their sacrifices even if they can’t give them money. “It’s really amazing what they do for us,” he said, noting those in the military are away from their families protecting families who can be together. When he asked for a round of applause for military veterans, it became a standing ovation.
Monday’s program also included students reading a short story “The Sack Lunches” and letters of appreciation from veterans. Syracuse American Legion color guard did a gun salute while taps was being played and the Vocal Motion choir sang the “National Anthem” and “Land of the Free.”
For more information, call the high school at 574-457-3147.
Wawasee Middle School
Though there was no program with a guest speaker or singing, Wawasee Middle School still found ways to honor military veterans during Veterans Day Monday.
During their home room classes in the first period of the day, students were taught Red Skelton’s analysis of the Pledge of Allegiance. The late Skelton, a famous actor and comedian, analyzed the pledge word by word in a January 1969 TV broadcast.
Students also were given the opportunity to write letters of thanks to the seven veterans who work at WMS. And they could also write letters to other veterans they know outside of the school.