Dallas Middle School students make poppies for Veterans Day program

Dallas Middle School students recently showed their support for our troops and veterans by making poppies for the Veterans Day program that was held at the school on Nov. 9. Each poppy contained the names of veterans and active service men and women that the students, faculty, and staff wanted to honor. Hundreds of poppies were displayed in the lobby. Middle school students also took part in the annual Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade Essay Contest. Emily Heltzel, an eighth-grade student, took third place. Students also wrote thank you or appreciation letters to veterans. A winner from each grade was chosen to read their assignments during the program. Winners received a $75 gift card to Barnes and Noble and an essay medal from the American Legion Post 672 in Dallas. Runners up also received a $25 gift card presented by Michael Santora, president, Student Council. Students, faculty and staff also enjoyed an original multi-media video produced by C.J. Goode, Justin Thompson and Michael Santora on student and faculty responses to honoring veterans, United States military bases around the world and a special version of the Star Spangled Banner. Participants, from left, first row: Abby Curtis, Nick Whitesell, Jack Ziembia, and Madison McEvoy. Second row: Tom Considine, commander, Son's of the American Legion 672; Madison Slacktish; Heltzel; Tori Landon; John M. Emil Sr., commander, American Legion District 12 Luzerne County; Charles Fleming, adjutant; Sue Holthaus, event organizer; Dr. Thomas Duffy, principal; and Matt Stretanski, event organizer.