Stagg students learn appreciation for Veterans through District 230 Foundation grant

Thanks to a District 230 Foundation grant, Social Studies teachers, Jennifer Baniewicz and David Podkul were able to help Stagg students have a deeper appreciation for our nation’s veterans. Students from AP US History and Psychology went to the National Veterans Art Museum, in Chicago, to study art made by veterans and learn how art therapy can help veterans cope with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Students looked at art that spanned the late 20th century and into today. Featured artists focused on the difficulties of fighting in the Pacific during World War II, the personal stories of Vietnam, and the painful rebuilding of one’s life after fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Students were also treated to a guest lecture by one of the featured artists, Maurice Costello. He fought in Vietnam and then pursued a teacher career that
eventually led him to help other vets express their feelings and experiences using art.

Mrs. Baniewicz, Mrs. McNichols, Ms. Sax and Ms. Abdellatif took 25 students to Midway Airport to greet over 100 WWII and Korean War veterans home from an Honor Flight. The Honor Flight organization arranges for veterans to visit Washington DC for the day and look at the various memorials that honor their war efforts. Hundreds of well-wishers turn out to welcome the vets home from their long day. The students had a chance to talk to veterans and their family members about their war experience and what Honor Flight means to them. The students said they had a great time and want to come back next year.