Middle School Thanks Local Veterans

Submitted by Mrs. Pamela Kutcher

On Friday, November 10, 2017, York Suburban Middle School (YSMS) students were greeted by veterans from all branches of the service.  The YSMS Student Council UNITY Committee, who was responsible for organizing the Veterans Spirit Day, thought that our students could do more than wear red, white, and blue or armed forces attire to show support to our veterans.  They wanted  students to have a chance to personally thank as many veterans as possible for their sacrifices and for serving our country.  Following a quick post on Facebook, two days later many veterans from York Suburban and the surrounding communities were standing in the middle school lobbies shaking hands and giving high-fives to students as they entered the building.

YSMS principal, Dr. Scott Krauser, had the following to say, “Today brought about an authentic experience for students. Some students have difficulty comprehending the ‘message’ behind this holiday if they do not have personal connections.  By having veterans standing in front of them as they entered the building, we were able to bring a relevant connection; faces and stories for students to truly make meaning and purpose for celebration of Veterans Day.  Choices and freedoms are an important developmental part of a middle school student’s life.  By shaking hands with veterans, I hope students were able to see that their living choices today are possible because of the sacrifices and choices from others.”

Even though the moment was brief, it brought smiles, encouragement, tears, and especially PRIDE to all of those involved.