A Gift for Young Students

By Jillian Daley

North Marion second- and third-graders received a special treat last week, an American flag on a wooden stand, courtesy of some talented older students.

A local service organization, Aurora American Legion Auxiliary Unit, provided North Marion High School Career and Technical Education Teacher Sherie Moran with the flags, and the High School students made little wooden stands for the younger kids that the students received on February 22. 

Auxiliary Unit member Beverlee Koutny said that her organization usually gives the flags to the second-graders only. But, since her group couldn’t make it last school year, they distributed about 200 flags to both the second-graders and the third-graders. So the event was split between the Primary School and the Intermediate School. 

“We are so grateful to the American Legion for their service and engagement with our students, staff, and schools,” Intermediate School Principal Cory Gaub said. “The assembly was an opportunity for second- and third-graders to have a shared experience that was supported by our High School staff and students. The efforts and collaboration show what a great community we have.”

Another change was that Woodburn-based Long Brothers Building Supply donated $70 in wood for the stands, a cost the legion usually fulfills. Plus, the assembly looked a little different than it ever has before — but a lot like so many other events these past two years. 

“We did it virtually, which has never happened before,” Koutney said.

Each classroom clustered around a screen to participate in the virtual assembly on February 22. Primary School Principal Allison Hunt instructed the students to offer up a silent cheer in support of the Auxiliary Unit. 

“We love having you come every year, and we hope to have you come in person next year,” Hunt said.

After the assembly, Second-Grade Teacher Meaghan Kitzmiller’s charges marveled at the notion of a present from High School students. 

“They give them to us!” second-grader Jared Chavez Ramirez said appreciatively.

“They didn’t just give them to us; they made them for us,” Kitzmiller clarified, smiling. “On the bottom, it has their name, and it says “for.” That’s where you fill in your name. This is very special because it was made by a High School student.”

Kitzmiller also encouraged her students to look to the future and to sustain the tradition of making the wooden flag stands.

“If you keep going all the way to High School, you could make them one day too,” she said. 

To share a story on the North Marion School Board, email Communications Specialist Jillian Daley at jillian.daley@nmarion.k12.or.us.