Barnegat Students Use Art To Honor Veterans

BARNEGAT, NJ — In a town with a large veteran population (just over 10 percent, according to census data), it makes sense that the school district would take time to make sure the men and women who served our country are properly honored.

While the Barnegat Township School District says it appreciates veterans throughout the whole year, it does set aside one day to celebrate them with presentations and activities.

That day was Nov. 3, when the Russell O. Brackman Middle School invited veterans to a ceremony that included the sights and sounds of the school's chorus and band and the high school's ROTC program. They performed melodies that honored each branch of the military just after the ROTC presented the colors to their rendition of the National Anthem.

Following the performances, three students read their Patriot's Pen essay contest entries. The contest, hosted each year by the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), calls on students nationwide to write about how they are inspired by America. Using their knowledge of American history and their own experiences with American culture, the students crafted their 300–to-400-word submissions for the chance to win a portion of the $1 million in state and national awards granted to the VFW.

Dan McGrath, instrumental music teacher and director of bands at Barnegat High School, performed Taps.

Afterward, the veterans paraded through the halls to a special lunch in their honor, while students clapped and thanked them for their service. Student council sponsored a door decorating contest and school clubs were invited to make decorations to line the hallways.

A celebration was also held at Robert L. Horbelt Intermediate School. The veterans were led around the hallways by members of the BHS ROTC while patriotic music streamed through the speakers. A school club held a contest for homeroom classes to decorate their doors with American flags and patriotic themed designs, which included the names of each student in the class. All the groups who participated were entered into a raffle for gift bags filled with red, white and blue candy for each student.

“It's important to us that our students understand the sacrifice these heroes have made and the responsibility that was left on their shoulders,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis. “We hope that through these small acts of respect, that our students become more aware and empathetic, but also that our local veterans know they are remarkable members of our community which we acknowledge and are grateful for every day.”

Learn more about the district's outreach and upcoming community programming at barnegatschools.com.