Local Vets Share 'Living History' With OLCHS Students On Veterans Day

OAK LAWN, IL — The Oak Lawn Community High School social studies department heeded Abraham Lincoln’s advice – “any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure" – and planned an event to honor those heroes with on Veterans Day where they could share their stories in the high school Media Center.

Several veterans created stations throughout the Media Center for the Veterans Day event. Each veteran had an area to display pictures, artifacts, and even videos about their roles in the US service. Typically, Veterans Day is a day off for many Illinois schools but with the national election being an off day last week, school was in session on Nov. 11.

“This idea sprang out of our desire to honor veterans and provide opportunities for students to hear the stories of veterans from the community,” said Kristin Kuchyt, social studies department chair and lead planner of the event.

Veterans told their stories and shared their tales from service. Students were able to interact in small groups with the servicemen from a variety of military branches. Students asked the service members about the positive impacts of their service.

“My service made me who I am today,” Mayor Terry Vorderer said, a Vietnam combat veteran and retired Oak Lawn police officer. “All my accomplishments pale compared to the experiences and training I received in the United States Army.”

Other veterans shared similar positive experiences about their service with the Spartan students. Many of them credited their time with helping them mature.

OLCHS School Resources Officer AJ Johnson said he had to grow up fast entering the military right after high school.

“I had to learn how to navigate life,” Johnson said.

The veterans shared messages and experiences that impacted the student audience. Many of the students were unfamiliar with many aspects of military life.

“I was surprised to see that two of our staff members served in the military because serving in the military seemed like a distant thing that no one from our community would partake in,” Oak Lawn junior Rory Ali said. “I felt like military service was so far away because I only met a few veterans before this event. It highlighted the community that we are in and how we all come from diverse backgrounds.”

In addition, the US History students also created a photo project named “Dear Future President” under the direction of staff member Jennifer Wargin. The students made a photo message in which they voiced issues and concerns they would like addressed by the new administration. The photo project is on display in the Media Center.

The social studies department appreciated the veterans coming out to the event, including Staff Sgt. Kristian Aquino of the USMC, Sgt. Kyler Kuzur of the USMC. OLCHS Resource Officer Johnson: (IT2(SW)) of the Navy, Corporal Tim Thurnall of the USMC, and Mayor Terry Vorderer of the Army (Spc 4th class) for presenting at the event.

OLCHS alumnus and local owner of Great American Bagel Luke Lally for donating the fantastic food for the event.

~ Contributed by Patrick DiFilippo, OLCHS Staff Writer