At Whitehall Elementary, we believe in honoring the sacrifices of those who have served our country. This Veterans Day, our students and staff came together to recognize the courage, dedication, and service of our veterans in a heartfelt way — by giving them a “hand.”

As part of our tribute, every student and staff member traced their hands onto colorful paper and filled them with messages of gratitude, encouragement, and respect. These personalized creations were a simple yet powerful gesture, demonstrating the immense pride our community holds for our veterans.

The activity sparked meaningful conversations in classrooms about the importance of service and sacrifice. Students learned about the roles veterans have played in protecting our freedoms, and many were eager to express their appreciation in their own words. Messages like "thank you for protecting us," "you are our heroes," and "we are grateful for your bravery" adorned the paper hands, each reflecting the heartfelt sentiments of our young learners and staff members.

The hand-shaped messages have been proudly displayed in our school, creating a vibrant wall of honor that serves as a visual reminder of our appreciation. Additionally, many of these hands will be shared with local veterans organizations, ensuring that those who have served feel the warmth and gratitude of our WES community.

This project exemplifies our school’s values of empathy and respect while helping our students connect with the real-life heroes who have made a difference in our country. We extend a sincere thank you to all veterans for their service and hope that this gesture brings a smile to their faces as they are reminded of the profound impact they've had on future generations.

Happy Veterans Day, and thank you for giving us the freedom to learn, grow, and thrive. Whitehall Elementary salutes you!