Taking advantage of the fact that Grant Community High School has school on Veteran’s Day, GCHS held an event to honor retired military men, as well as those still in the ranks. They ultimately decided to invite veterans within the Grant community to speak on their experiences, putting together a panel during the student’s history classes. Twenty panelists spoke to over one thousand students, educating them on the sacrifices they make for America every day, and what it means to be a soldier for our country.

“[Our] greatest hope is that attendees recognize [our] wealth of resources,” says GCHS Curriculum Director, Stacie Noisey. By holding this panel, GCHS’s goal was to illustrate the programs in place for retired military men and women, those in the ranks, and students who are hoping to enlist. These programs assist veterans in a wide range of applications; mental health, education, finances, and many more. Administration aspires to motivate students to honor veterans by “thank[ing] them [and] recognize[ing] the value of their service to their country.” Additionally, the social studies department has a goal “to increase civic responsibility [among students] and the number of guest speakers to help students make connections between the content they learn [in school] and life beyond Grant Community High School.” “

The panelists, who all had a connection to the Grant community, spoke on what life in the military was like, the opportunities, and the sacrifices that veterans make to protect our American rights. By having the ability to hear people they know well, whether it be a teacher, a counselor, or a neighbor, talk about protecting our rights as Americans inspires students to enlist, or simply express gratitude to those who fight so bravely. Grant Community High School aims to improve the event, and eventually, make it an annual tradition, wishing to inspire students to express their gratitude for our freedom every year.

Noisey says, “Many of our guests, teachers, and students expressed appreciation for the event at the end of the day. We look forward to improving the event next year.”