Holly Academy Honors Veterans All Year

Students at Holly Academy honor veterans on Veterans Day and throughout the year. In time for Veterans Day, students created nearly 300 stars which recognize each student’s friend or family members who are veterans. The stars were collected by teachers and displayed in the foyer walls. In addition, two staff members are veterans. Mr. Long, who was a Marine, and Mr. Hartwell, who was in the Army, were recognized for their service.

On November 26, the kindergarten and first grade students will experience their own celebration in a “Salute to Veterans Day”. Local veterans will join the students as guest speakers and share their stories. “Salute to Veterans Day has become a cherished tradition here at Holly Academy. Our students understand the sacrifice of our veterans and enjoy hearing their experiences in person,” says Director Julie Kildee. “This celebration impacts our students’ learning and truly brings the textbook to life”, adds Kildee. The guest veterans will enjoy special treats and handmade gratitude cards from the students.

In addition, the eighth grade students will lay a wreath in Arlington National Cemetery during the annual class trip in the spring. “Students are able to experience the powerful remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery,” states Social Studies teacher Colin O’Connell. “They feel honored to be involved in this prestigious event,” continues O’Connell. In the past, Holly Academy has invited WWII veterans to meet with the eighth grade classes in small group discussions. “It is vital for children to understand the sacrifices of our veterans,” adds O’Connell. “Delivering unique experiences to my students enables this understanding.”

Holly Academy, located in Holly, MI, educates 865 students in grades K-8. It was designated as a CMU School of Excellence in 2011 and as a Michigan Reward School in 2014. Holly Academy is a self-managed, non-profit public school academy chartered by Central Michigan University.