Leadership students learning to serve

Planning for the Second Annual Veterans Day assembly proved a thought-provoking event for Sisters Middle School Student Council members.

Leadership advisor Mim Burke was surprised by some of the questions leadership students asked when planning this year's assembly. She said that one student asked if both Republicans and Democrats honor veterans. Burke commented that she thought this was "a timely" and "deep question." Burke and the students talked about it and realized that honoring those who serve goes beyond any political bias.

Burke said that the students know that she has two children in active service. One is at Fort Knox; the other is in Afghanistan. One student made the statement that because her children are serving, Burke is for war; the students discussed this and concluded that serving in the military does not mean that someone is opposed to peace.

Planning the assembly caused seventh and eighth graders to do some very serious thinking. Burke said, "This is what I want them to do. I want them to profit."

Burke continued, "The other part is the huge service part."

Burke remarked that student council members are learning to serve their country by honoring veterans.The students are learning the importance of giving of themselves.

In giving of themselves, the students reached out into the broader community and honored fallen soldiers, Army Pvt. Tommy Tucker of Madras and Marine Lance Corporal Randy Newman of Bend, with the song "American Soldier."

Burke said that one student reflected that these two soldiers were only a few years older than the seventh and eighth graders. "It really came home to them," Burke said.

Planning the assembly also taught the students the importance of creating a tradition. This is why students wanted to serve coffee and donuts before the assembly to the veterans.

"They did this last year and wanted to do it again this year," Burke said. "They will pass it on to the next group and the next group. It's becoming cohesive. They understand the tradition of what they are doing. It is better this year than it was last year."

And she expects that next year will be better still.