Schools throughout the Tippecanoe School Corporation are marking Veterans Day in many different ways. Some students videotaped messages and patriotic songs before the district went to remote learning. Others are doing activities at home this week in remembrance of those who have served our country and continue to serve our country. This is a look at some, but not all of the Veterans Day activities and programs in our district.

With restrictions on visitors, Klondike Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society produced a video instead of hosting an in-person program. In the video, student Kyle McGuire says: “Today, we remember all the veterans who have selflessly risked their entire life to provide us our rights and freedoms.”

The virtual ceremony includes a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” by the eighth grade band, the reciting of poetry from an annual Veterans writing contest and guest speakers including a local Navy veteran and two Klondike alum who now attend West Point.

“We hope each student has a chance to honor a veteran that they know whether a relative, neighbor, or family friend and understand the importance of the military in the history of the United States,” says Honor Society Sponsor Jo Ann Ward. “We hope this gives our teachers and students a chance to talk and reflect on Veteran's Day and we hope more of our community will get a chance to watch it. Klondike's National Honor Society is very proud to keep this 20-year plus tradition going even through the pandemic.” 

Cole Elementary School also produced a virtual Veterans Day ceremony featuring songs performed from different classes. The students performed “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,”  “The Banks of the Wabash,” and “America the Beautiful.” Students also created artwork that will be delivered to the Indiana Veterans Home.

All grade levels at Mintonye Elementary School are doing activities to highlight the importance of Veterans Day. First grade teacher Kayla Pruitt had her students create paper poppy flowers, a symbol for Veterans Day, that will eventually be included in thank you letters that will be sent to the Indiana Veterans home later this year.

“It's important to teach our first graders about Veterans Day because it's an important part of our history and current times,” says Pruitt. “It's important for the students to know that without veterans putting forth the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we wouldn't have the safety and freedom in our day-to-day lives.”  

At Harrison High School, the names of local veterans from every branch of the military cover the walls near the main entrance. The Raiders for Red, White and Blue Club created the display to raise awareness and funds for veterans in need.

“This has been a particularly hard year for the residents at the Indiana Veterans Home,” says the club's sponsor Jill Baker. “Our plan is to help brighten the residents’ day with goodie bags and thank you cards. In addition, a donation to the Mary T. Klinker Veterans Center will help veterans struggling with rent, utilities and other needs.”

Cole Elementary School Veterans Day Program

Dayton Elementary School

Klondike Middle School Veterans Day Program

McCutcheon High School Veteran’s Story

Wea Ridge Elementary School Veterans Program

Wea Ridge Middle School Veterans Program