Lakeshore Middle School honors veterans

Nov. 26--Handmade posters thanking veterans dangled from the ceiling along side red, white and blue decorations in Michelle Maitner's seventh grade classroom on Tuesday.

Throughout the day, veterans from American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28 and Sgt. Alvin Jonker VFW Post 2326 shared their experiences with Maitner's students at Lakeshore Middle School. During the annual celebration, which honors veterans, students learned about local heroes and their efforts, and the American flag.

Students also joined about 60 local veterans, and veterans invited by students, for lunch.

"We are honored to be here," David "Mack" MacKellar, historian for the local American Legion, told the students.

Over the past several years, the annual celebration has grown from student council to include all of Maitner's nearly 150 students.

As students and veterans spoke and sat side-by-side at lunch, Mainter said it was rewarding to see the student interest and parents seeing the value by donating food for the lunch.

Seventh-grader Caroline Jeisy-Word said it was inspirational to have the veterans speak to her class.

Jeisy-Word, 12, said the luncheon was an "excellent way to give back to them after how much they've given to us."

Seventh-grader Neala Wilson extended her appreciation to all veterans who've served, whether in the country or overseas.

"Thank you, veterans," Wilson said.

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