These young leaders and others not shown—Devyn Haller, Ameriona Stiltner, Karson Mudel, Jacob Harris, Xander Schwab, and Noah Pollock—did more than just dream; they rolled up their sleeves. Through bake sales, Valentine’s bears, and shoveling snow, they raised over $1,000—fighting cold and fatigue for a cause greater than themselves: a Veterans Memorial Park that will stand as a beacon of remembrance and gratitude for generations to come.
Their relentless dedication earned them a $5,000 grant—a recognition of their effort, heart, and leadership. But the true victory isn’t in the money; it’s in the message they send: that honoring those who served is a sacred duty, and that even the youngest among us can lead with courage and purpose.
With Memorial Day approaching—the day we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our freedom—these students remind us all of the importance of gratitude and remembrance.
As Winston Churchill once said, “To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do something special.” These students seized that moment, showing us that community and compassion can create monuments more enduring than stone.
And as John F. Kennedy famously declared, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Today, they demonstrate what it truly means to serve.
Let’s follow their example. Support our veterans. Reflect on their sacrifices this Memorial Day. And commit to making a difference—because when we act with heart, we build a legacy of gratitude that lasts forever.
Community Profiles by Ben Rayman