Veterans Get Star Treatment

By Larissa Lytwyn

Hawley Elementary School students recently gave relatives and family friends who have served in the military the star treatment, honoring the veterans with hand-decorated stars hung in the school’s lobby.

“The children included the veteran’s name and where and when they served,” said lead teacher Judy Pesce. “They also had the opportunity to decorate the stars with American flags, pictures of the veterans, or anything else they could do to personalize it.”

The schoolwide activity, said Ms Pesce, made the concept of war — particularly with consideration to ongoing fighting in Iraq –– more understandable for students.

Gazing at the stars hanging above her head, she added, “and some of these soldiers are serving now.”

Well over half of Hawley’s approximately 450 students participated.

“In past years we’ve had guest speakers visit,” said Ms Pesce. “This activity is a bit more hands-on.”

Hawley’s school nurse Peggy Annett said that the stars represent a diverse range of American conflicts, from World War II to the first Iraq War. Ms Annett served during the Vietnam era in a Virginia naval hospital.

“There is a lot of history here,” said Ms Pesce. “Veterans’ Day is so important to recognize — especially during a time like this!”