Walkertown Middle/High Students Learn from Veterans and Honor Them for Their Service

In April, Walkertown Middle School invited veterans to come for a panel interview lunch with middle school students who completed outstanding Ages & Pages projects and with high school journalism/newspaper students.

“The veterans’ lunch was a special event related to our school community Ages & Pages: WWII family literacy program, which was designed and facilitated by the Walkertown Middle/High School Library,” said Gina Webster, the media coordinator for the middle school. “This particular event featured U.S. veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Korea and Operation Desert Storm.

“The lunch & learn format gave about 45 middle & high school students a chance to learn about history from first-hand accounts and personal stories. Students developed their own questions and interviewed the panel of veterans. Discussion topics included:  Military training and service opportunities, military/medical advancements over time, dangers/memorable moments, heroism and friendships developed during their time of service, returning to the home front, impact of military service on their character, development and career path, and lessons learned through service to country.  

"Veterans shared stories, maps, currency, photos, and other artifacts with students. Students also conducted video interviews with the veterans in small groups. Funding was made possible through Walkertown Middle School's Title I program & a grant to Walkertown High School from the Forsyth Education Partnership."

The finale event was held at night later in the month.

“For the final event, we offered an evening for families that included a program in the auditorium followed by a reception and various stations for students and families to participate,” Webster said.

“Carrying out the theme of heroism in daily life, the finale program featured recognition of local adults nominated as ‘Hometown Heroes’ by our middle and high school students, recognition of students teachers had selected as Good Citizens/Character Education role models, our schools' Spirit of Rachel finalists (as part of our Rachel's Challenge initiative), and recognition of Ages & Pages Merit Award winners (showcasing outstanding curriculum projects from the WWII family project guide).

"Students had pre-recorded messages to Hometown Heroes and participated in interviews about their experiences with the Ages & Pages program. We shared these clips with the audience. There were approximately 275 students, family members, staff and guests from the community in attendance.

"During the reception, students had a chance to present award certificates to their Hometown Heroes. Parents had a special Title I break-out area with literacy tips and resources for students success. We also facilitated a special area to engage parents, students and other stakeholders present in the district's Core Values development process. Our staff will use student/family/community input to help develop the five core values our school submits to the district.”

World War II veteran Ivey Redmon was the featured speaker. He was introduced by eighth grader Rett Lyons. 

To read about the kick-off event in November, go to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools