Veterans Day took on a deeper meaning this year due to a new student initiative led by the History Club. The club’s first major community project, the “veterans honor wall,” now stretches across the cafeteria, covered with photos, stories and tributes to men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
For many students, it was the first time they could pay respects to the veterans in their family and the community.
The History Club wanted to start its first year with a project that would be meaningful to the community. According to the club’s sponsor, government and U.S. History teacher Tom Kreahling, the idea began simply.
“A lot of it is because we’re a new club,” Kreahling said. “We wanted to create a community service project, and Veterans Day was our first opportunity to tell a little about the history of something important.”
The display includes black-and-white photos of veterans submitted by both students and staff, ranging from World War II soldiers to modern-day service members. Many pictures show family members in uniform, standing in front of aircraft, tanks or barracks, or holding flags. Others are from decades ago, capturing moments in history. Alongside the photos are short descriptions: names, ranks and handwritten notes of appreciation. A timeline posted on the board highlights major events, from the end of World War I in 1918 to the post-9/11 era, reminding students how service has shaped the country over the last century.
The club made submissions easy, creating a QR code that linked to a form where students could upload images and stories.
“It worked out very well,” History Club President Aidan Wells said. “It allowed us to print and organize everything quickly.”
According to Wells, the number of submissions was higher than expected.
“We got quite a few,” Wells said. “I think the variety of different conflicts the veterans served in was the most surprising part.”
The project was not just about collecting photographs-it was about connecting the past to the present. For Wells, the project was also personal. He added his own submission: a photo of his grandfather.
“This was a group decision,” Wells said. “We thought it would be a good way to honor all the veterans, especially since it’s our first year as a club. We wanted something that shows who we are.”
The History Club sees the veterans honor wall as far more than a display. It is a community service project, a lesson in local history and a reminder that the stories of veterans live on through the people who honor them. Students who stop to read the names and look at the faces gain a moment of reflection that connects the school and students to generations of service and sacrifice.
