In Memory of Those Who Served

By Samantha Segreto and Hannah Lee

A couple of senior students are honoring veterans and currently serving soldiers by dedicating a bulletin board to them. This board is located by the main office and is filled with many memories and kind words for all to see and admire. These students created found poems, poems derived from specific lines of a literary work, about war.

A senior English class has finished The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. This story provided them with a glimpse into the life of a soldier and displayed both the physical and emotional impacts that war ensues. They took this opportunity to make the found poems using various lines and phrases from the novel, exhibiting them on the bulletin board. Many of these talk about war and what it is like while others talk about the juxtaposition between war and peace. They also took this opportunity to bring in things from their homes, such as pictures and letters from veterans in their families that they had personal connections with.

“It’s an honor, really. I mean, these people gave up their lives and it’s just something small we can do for them,” said Casie Gabriele, senior.

Some of the pictures brought from home are of family members including grandfathers and great grandfathers. Marina Verhagen, senior, brought in a picture of her grandfather while Austin Babjak, senior, brought in a letter that was sent to his grandfather while he was serving.

Other things featured on the board consist of pictures of other veterans, such as Al Ruffini, who helps out with the Leo Club, and Dr. Anthony DeFina, a science teacher here at WHHS. Along with these pictures, a variety of badges, some that were worn throughout scenes of combat, can be observed. 

In honor of those who are serving, check out the bulletin board and view some of the creations that were made. Let us know what you think of the board!