2 weeks Ago By Will Vraspir [email protected]
Caiden Norris had his first meal at Alcott Elementary School Monday. Norris, who served in the U.S.
Marines for four years, was among the military service members invited to the school to celebrate Veterans Day. He was contacted about two weeks ago and asked to attend. He agreed to help serve as a role model for students.
“It’s someone they can look up to,” Norris said. “Some kids may not have that in their lives.” Principal Charla Brant said 17 veterans signed up to participate in the event, the first of its kind for the school.
Students and staff were allowed to invite relatives who previously or currently served. “This is the first time we’ve done this so we’re happy to have family members come join us,” she said. “It’s important for students to know who has fought for our country.
” Brant said students at the school generally make cards, or something similar, to send to veterans thanking them for their service on the holiday. This year, the school’s student council organization Mary Vertin, a fourth-grade member of the student council, said they wanted to do something different for Veterans Day this year and worked with teachers to organize the event. “We need to honor the people that served for us,” she said.
Boden Gloystein, a fourth-grade student on the council, said his great grandfather served in the military so he was eager to host an event to feature veterans. “We should thank our veterans for fighting for us,” he said. Allison Soucie, one of the teacher representatives on the student council, said it is a way to give back to veterans while putting a face to the holiday.
Students enjoy bringing adults to visit at lunch and recess, making their families like local celebrities for a day. “It’s a proud moment for them,” Soucie said. She said it’s been fun to welcome the veterans into the school and show them what it’s all about.
“In this building, kids are welcoming to everyone,” she said. “It’s fun to see it.” Along with the invited veterans, students received a visit from one of the Hastings Police Department school resource officers, military service member Brad Cunningham.
Cunningham chatted with students and posed for pictures as well. Each participant received a gift bag as well as lunch. Following the meal, the veterans were invited to the playground for recess.
Ted Thelander went to the school to visit two grandchildren who are students at the school. Thelander served in the Army for 12 years. He recalled one year he spent attending Alcott as a sixth-grade student.
He noted many changes since that time. Along with the chance to spend time with his grandchildren, Thelander said it was important to talk to students about Veterans Day and its meaning. “It’s important to teach them that freedom isn’t free,” he said.
“Maybe they will serve as well.”.
