Northport K-8 School students have been working diligently this year with teachers, veterans, Gold Star Families and Mrs. Gruszka in the Media Center to educate each other, their families and the community about the Medal of Honor, Gold Star Families and World War II. The learning experiences included Gold Star mothers, Karen Zook and Linda Schuman interacting with kids from grades three through eight about service, sacrifice, integrity, commitment and then teaching others about these ideals.
The zenith of the program occurred in the Northport Media Center with a visit from Hershel “Woody” Williams. Mr. Williams is the only living Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima and only one of seven Medal of Honor Recipients still living from WWII. The programming included Target Teaching by students from Nick Carey and Georgia Stone’s classes including a timeline of major WWII events. Northport teacher, Sandra Tyndale Harvey and three of her students sang a beautiful rendition of a Bill and Gloria Gaither song for Mr. Williams entitled, “I Pledge My Allegiance” and a teaching power point was instructive by media clerk, Sarah Lewis. The program was a magical culmination of so much deep learning and the students were taken aback by Woody’s humbleness and demeanor.
The school was thrilled to host Superintendent Wayne Gent, Dr. Prince and SLPS Board members Kathryn Hensley, Deb Hawley, and Carol Hilson along with many deputies, troopers, police officers, Blue Knights, and veterans along with the local Gold Star committee.
What an EXPERIENCE!!!!!! Many thanks to Veteran Roy Brewer for helping to bring Woody Williams to Northport!
