Meadowthorpe honors everyday heroes
Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, September 09, 2011
Gallery (click any photo to view the gallery)
Scenes from "Honoring Our Heroes" at Meadowthorpe Elementary ...
Uniformed military, law enforcement, fire department and medical personnel shared the spotlight as Meadowthorpe Elementary honored everyday heroes in a red, white and blue-trimmed tribute.
“It’s important for our students to understand patriotism, to understand and appreciate heroism, and just to think beyond themselves … in this hectic, fast-paced life, just to stop and pause and reflect on the people that give of themselves selflessly – and what better way to do that?” said the PTA’s Jesi Bowman, who organized the schoolwide assembly.
“All of these heroes were once students themselves. Every single person here has made a choice to make a difference in somebody’s life. Our students can do the exact same thing,” she added.
The assembly also kicked off Principal Joel Katte’s challenge for each class to tackle at least one community service project this year.
“There are people out there struggling and hurting, and they need you to be their heroes. You are filled with pure potential, and you are our leaders of the future. We are learning today and leading today and working hard so we can help those around us,” he told the students, adding, “Someday you’ll be wearing those uniforms and serving others.”
After the parade of local heroes filed into the gym, Meadowthorpe’s program opened with everyone singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Other highlights included the kids’ rendition of the song “American Tears” with a video tribute to heroes throughout history and staff member Aneesha Hersey’s solo “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
Students and staff also presented each group of visitors with thank-you cards, a copy of “The American Hero” by poet Roger Robicheau and a star-filled canvas artwork illustrating bravery and leadership.
Around town, other schools also took note of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. For instance, sixth-graders at Jessie Clark Middle School delivered banners and baked goodies to nearby fire stations, and Cassidy Elementary collected donations to send care packages to military service members.
Katte and Bowman, bearing in mind the 9/11 connection, had brainstormed this month’s special assembly at Meadowthorpe – wanting to make sure even the youngest students realized the event’s importance and knew who responded in force.
“These are everyday heroes courageous enough to serve us and at times inspire us and even put their lives in danger to help us,” Katte said in introducing his school’s guests.
“When a kindergartener sees a fireman or a policeman or a soldier and they see that uniform, they’re mesmerized and recognize it’s someone special,” Bowman added.
Katte later praised his teachers and staff as unsung heroes.
“I know how hard they’re working and what obstacles they face every day. But coming and giving it their best and doing the work they do, they need to be recognized, too,” he said. “Everybody who’s in this every day for our kids, they are my heroes.”
‘The American Hero’
by poet Roger Robicheau
The American Hero always comes through
To capture our hearts with a spirit so true
Some proudly are soldiers who march in harm’s way
Insuring our freedom, courageous they stay
While others come forth as civilians so brave
Determined in purpose, so steadfast to save
We should always keep clear a place in our heart
For each has a value beyond precious art
Their duty to country will not be surpassed
Please honor their courage, for some it’s their last
We live in a world which can be hard to bear
Thank God for these people, how greatly they care
Do ponder new heroes and what they will face
And pray for their safety no matter their place
Our heritage brings out the best, we all know
Our great book of heroes is destined to grow