As part of its Veterans Day celebrations, Midview Local Schools recently honored local veterans with an unexpected gesture of appreciation for a second year. Last week, Midview High School Key Club members delivered custom yard signs and handmade cards from North Elementary students to more than 50 veterans’ homes within the district.
Local men and women who served in our nation’s military were greeted with a simple, yet most sincere message: “Freedom isn’t free. Midview thanks this veteran.”
“The best part of this project was the veteran’s reactions. On my last delivery, the gentleman was just so happy and immediately went to put his sign in his yard,” said Ishan Patel, Midview senior and Key Club president. “Our veterans are more than deserving of appreciation, and showing our gratitude is part of our civic responsibility as students. It feels good to make a difference in our community through Key Club and to inspire others to do the same.”
Family, friends, and neighbors nominated veterans for home delivery through a district survey shared in early October. Key Club members created routes based on similar locations and visited several veterans’ homes each day, delivering gifts and gratitude.
Students also visited the Grafton VFW to pass out signs to its visitors and those who may not have been comfortable nominating a veteran for home delivery.
“As a district, we understand the importance of recognizing those who have sacrificed for our country in the name of freedom,” said Superintendent Dr. Bruce Willingham. “It is an honor to share a small token of our appreciation to local heroes each year.”
Nearly 200 signs and cards have been shared with the community to date.
In addition to this recent project, Midview East Intermediate hosts an annual Veterans Day assembly. Veterans in the community are invited to enjoy breakfast and attend the event, which honors and remembers the sacrifice and service of those who served.
Furthermore, all five Midview buildings were renewed as Purple Star schools, which recognizes schools' commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.