Friday, November 13, 2009

Maize Middle School students pay special tribute to a former Maize student who died serving his country.

A lesson learned by students at Maize Middle School did not just limit the experience to an assembly in the school gym. Students took Veteran's Day as a week long study in sacrifice and service.

Veterans were invited to take part in classes all day long Friday sharing their personal stories with students who were eager to learn about their experience as soldiers and at home as veterans of war.

Students at Maize Middle School remembered a former Maize student, Eric Palmer, who was killed in the war in Iraq in 2007. Eric grew up attending Maize schools and was a 2004 graduate of Maize High School. Kim Newby was a former teacher of Eric's and says she remembers his desire and enthusiasm for becoming a soldier after the 9-11 attacks.

Students and teachers say Eric's story brought close to home the lessons of Veteran's Day. Students at the school surprised John Palmer this week by decorating Eric's grave. Veterans, students and their parents packed the middle school gym honoring all veterans. Some read from essays and some shed tears.

Some believe students may not think much about veterans except around Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. John Palmer says these students do, and that school programs like the ones held in Maize this week help students learn about soldiers like his son Eric and the sacrifices he and other veterans have made for their country.