Each year, our sophomore NSSHS members take time to write thank-you letters to local veterans in recognition of Veterans Day. This year, students wrote more than 100 cards expressing their appreciation for the men and women who have served our country. It was heartwarming to read the personal messages our students took the time to write.
When sophomore Lilly Franco was asked why she felt it was important to thank our veterans. She shared, "Many veterans continue to struggle financially and mentally because they sacrificed so much for all of us. This is a way to express our appreciation and let them know that their dedication to our country isn't forgotten."
Pictured writing the cards are sophomores Daniel Betancourt and Lilly Franco, with club president Drake Hudgens proudly holding the completed cards. I am so proud of our students for recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans and making sure they know their service is appreciated.
On Friday, 41 students participated in a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance. Most students were members of the History Honor Society, joined by students from Mrs. Franco's Ethnic Studies class and Ms. Richter's We the People class.
During their visit, students explored several powerful exhibits. The Holocaust exhibit traced the events of the Holocaust through survivor and witness testimonies, artifacts, and photographs. In the Social Lab, students examined assumptions, prejudice, and discrimination and discussed ways they can make a positive difference. Students also visited the Anne Frank exhibit, where photographs, documents, and Anne's own words shared her experiences before and during the Holocaust, along with her enduring message of hope and goodwill.
To conclude the visit, students listened to a presentation by Sharon Riche, whose book, Tear-Stained Pages, recounts her father's experience living in hiding as a child in Poland during the Holocaust.
NSSHS Vice President Victoria Rios shared about her experience: "I learned so many new things about the Holocaust. The survivors' stories were especially meaningful to me." Victoria also shared a personal connection to the history, as her great-grandfather grew up in Poland during World War II and the Holocaust, although he was not Jewish.
Mrs. Brummer was incredibly proud of our students. They were engaged, thoughtful, and respectful throughout the visit. Learning about tolerance, understanding, and the consequences of prejudice is so important for our students. Seeing the artifacts, photographs, and hearing the firsthand testimonies of survivors makes history come alive in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
Eric Ball also shared his appreciation for the students, saying, "I was so impressed with the behavior of the students as they learned about the important stories found in the Museum of Tolerance. They represented Liberty very well!"
Whether expressing gratitude to those who have served our country or learning from some of the most difficult chapters in human history, our students demonstrated that being a Patriot means recognizing the experiences of others, showing compassion, and making a positive difference in our community. I am proud of the way they represented Liberty this week.