Written by Daniel Ching
O’NEALS — The time has come to celebrate our veterans once again. This year Minarets High School will be hosting the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Dinner in the Minarets Gym.
Last year was extremely successful in honoring our veterans and bringing the amazing stories of our veterans to life by having students interview the veterans on camera. This was an incredible opportunity to bring a real life experience to students who have previously been learning these topics through text books.Last year was my proudest moment as a teacher to witness my students engaged in meaningful conversations with men and women who had served our country.
Two films were made out of these interviews as well as a database of them kept at the school and on a youtube channel. In fact, two students won film awards for the movies that they created and these videos have been shown at teachers conferences, college campuses, and even corporate offices.
A small group of veterans was invited back to Minarets last year to enjoy refreshments with students and watch the video premiere of their work.
This year, students will once again serve dinner to veterans at the celebration. Speakers will be present and war memorabilia will be welcomed to be on display.
The major change this year will be the fact that interviews will be conducted throughout the day and the dinner will be a culmination of a day spent between students and veterans. Interviews will start at 11 a.m. and will proceed all the way until 6 p.m., just before dinner.
Veterans who make reservations are encouraged to do their interviews early in the day to be able to spend more quality time on camera and with our students. We ask that only veterans that are unable to do otherwise come for the last interviews. We hope to have another year of quality interviews to add to our already impressive collection.
We plan on making this event better every year. Of course, the dinner will be excellent and veterans will be served by eager students, which will make it even more special. Veterans are free with one guest but we ask that you make reservations by November 7th so that we can pay for the food.
We will be offering a chance for donations as we are trying to raise funds for a veterans memorial on campus. You will be asked to schedule an interview that day as well but please let us know if you do not wish to speak.
If you are interested in attending this event and joining in the celebration, email Mr. Ching at dching@mychawanakee.org or call him at (559) 760-5042.
To watch one of the moving videos these students created click here.
Daniel Ching is the American and World History teacher at Minarets High School.
