This week, Mrs. Solik’s 4th grade class had the honor of learning directly from someone who has lived a life of service, local Marine Corps Veteran, Chris Thomas.
Mr. Thomas visited the classroom to share the importance of respecting the American flag and the proper way to care for it. Outside, he worked alongside a group of students to demonstrate how to raise and lower the flag with dignity. The class then came together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance before heading back inside to continue the lesson.
Using tablecloths as stand-ins, students practiced folding the flag in small groups, gaining hands-on experience with the careful precision the task requires. This training was especially meaningful because our 4th graders are entrusted with the daily responsibility of raising the flag each morning and lowering it each afternoon, a tradition now in its third year.
This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of alumnus Will Clarkston, who, while still a student, spearheaded the project to install our school’s flagpole. His vision has created a lasting tradition, giving students the chance to learn responsibility, teamwork, and patriotism in a very real way.
Moments like this remind us that education is more than academics, it’s also about instilling values of respect, honor, and service. We are incredibly proud of our 4th graders for stepping up to carry this tradition forward.