CLARKSVILLE — Students and staff throughout the Clinton-Massie Local School District recently paused to honor America’s veterans and active military.

On Veterans Day students participated in age-appropriate activities including the reading of books and poems, the viewing of videos, the completing of art projects, and the holding of class discussions — all of which fostered a greater understanding and respect for the sacrifices made to protect and serve those on the home front.

First-grade students in Teresa Butler’s class participated in a discussion that helped them understand the importance of soldiers and the responsibility they carry. Students then crafted construction-paper soldiers and wrote special notes to the members of the Woodlawn Armory A-Btry 1-174th ADA, of which Butler’s husband, John, is a member.

Students in Rachel Cornett’s eighth-grade language arts class wrote letters and thank you notes to Clinton-Massie veterans: board of education member Shane Carter, transportation and maintenance supervisor Stephen Ford, bus driver Marvin Lamb, softball coach Andy Lauer, softball coach Brittany Lauer, HVAC specialist Mike Rosenberger and industrial technology teacher Dan Walker.

Joni Fair’s 12th-grade English classes read the “The Last True Story I’ll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier’s Account of the War in Iraq” a novel by John Crawford. Students then had the opportunity to hear a soldier’s first hand-account of time spent in Iraq when Ohio Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Bryan Converse visited the classroom and shared photos that chronicled his tour of duty.

A military wall display created in 2004 by students in Aaron Seewer’s U.S. History class now serves as a steadfast reminder of the sacrifices made on behalf of Americans everywhere by the veteran family members of Clinton-Massie students. Each year students add photos to the display paying tribute to family members who have served.

And in order to preserve the memory of those lost to war and to honor those who have served, Clinton-Massie Local Schools has plans in place to erect a Veterans Memorial on the Massie campus that will be a tribute to the Falcons that have given of themselves to protect America’s freedom.

Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.

Students in Mrs. Fair’s senior English class show their appreciation to Staff Sergeant Bryan Converse by presenting him with a swag bag and making him an honorary Falcon.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_Veteran-Visits-with-Joni-Fairs-Class-2016-20171.jpgStudents in Mrs. Fair’s senior English class show their appreciation to Staff Sergeant Bryan Converse by presenting him with a swag bag and making him an honorary Falcon. Courtesy photos

Members of the Woodlawn Armory A-Btry 1-174th ADA were pleasantly surprised when mail call came around and they received their construction-paper soldiers and notes from the students at CMES.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_3032-MMS-1478837855000-attachment1-5434.jpgMembers of the Woodlawn Armory A-Btry 1-174th ADA were pleasantly surprised when mail call came around and they received their construction-paper soldiers and notes from the students at CMES. Courtesy photos

This long-standing wall display serves as a tribute to Falcon family members who have served in the military.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_Wall-Display-2016.jpgThis long-standing wall display serves as a tribute to Falcon family members who have served in the military. Courtesy photos