Students Raise Funds to Take Veterans to D.C.
By: Jeannie Flitner
Updated: April 23, 2010
KEARNEYSVILLE, WV - Often older generations worry that younger generations do not appreciate what others have done for their freedom, but a group of middle school students in West Virginia started a special project to give back to local veterans.
Inspired by what they learned in history class, a group of Spring Mills Middle School students are working hard outside of class to give back to those who risked it all for our country.
"I just really want to show them my respect and appreciation for what they have done for our whole country," says student Rachel Chapmen.
Last fall, the group started a project to raise enough money to take a group of local veterans to see the memorials in Washington D.C.
"They are actually donating their own time," says teacher Carol Hamilton. "They are doing their own work, so they want to do it. It is not something they are doing to get extra credit"
The students have been working extremely hard to raise money for the trip. They have hosted a basketball shoot-out, a school dance, and a talent show.
So far, the kids have raised enough money to take 40 veterans on the trip. They have also put a lot of effort into organizing and advertising the event.
"We have had to send out letters to the veterans, we set up the website," says eighth grader Anna Gilpin.
They say their hours of hard work seem like an insignificant sacrifice compared to that of the veterans.
"I can't really imagine what they have been through," says Gilpin.
It is an opportunity to learn first hand about American history, but also a chance to give back to those who gave so much.
"I am helping actual veterans and stuff, I'm not like just building a walkway or something," says seventh grader Tyler Triplett.
There are ten spots left on the trip and veteran's from World War II, Korea or the Vietnam War are invited to come along.
Click here for more information on the trip or call 304-283-8089.
Inspired by what they learned in history class, a group of Spring Mills Middle School students are working hard outside of class to give back to those who risked it all for our country.
"I just really want to show them my respect and appreciation for what they have done for our whole country," says student Rachel Chapmen.
Last fall, the group started a project to raise enough money to take a group of local veterans to see the memorials in Washington D.C.
"They are actually donating their own time," says teacher Carol Hamilton. "They are doing their own work, so they want to do it. It is not something they are doing to get extra credit"
The students have been working extremely hard to raise money for the trip. They have hosted a basketball shoot-out, a school dance, and a talent show.
So far, the kids have raised enough money to take 40 veterans on the trip. They have also put a lot of effort into organizing and advertising the event.
"We have had to send out letters to the veterans, we set up the website," says eighth grader Anna Gilpin.
They say their hours of hard work seem like an insignificant sacrifice compared to that of the veterans.
"I can't really imagine what they have been through," says Gilpin.
It is an opportunity to learn first hand about American history, but also a chance to give back to those who gave so much.
"I am helping actual veterans and stuff, I'm not like just building a walkway or something," says seventh grader Tyler Triplett.
There are ten spots left on the trip and veteran's from World War II, Korea or the Vietnam War are invited to come along.
Click here for more information on the trip or call 304-283-8089.
