MOUNT GILEAD — Inspired by former President George W. Bush’s book, “Portraits of Courage,” a collection of essays and paintings about U.S. veterans, area veterans were invited to the Park Avenue Elementary fourth grade art class to model for the students.
While they were painting the portraits, they interviewed the veterans and as a class created a short biographical essay to be displayed with the painted portraits.
For each class, a different veteran shared his story and students asked questions to which the vets patiently and clearly responded. Students learned that veterans deserve gratitude, respect and interest.
They also learned about living conditions during the terms of service, camaraderie, patriotism and loyalty and love for home and family.
Park Avenue fourth grade students with Hunter Kauderer, Natalia McGery, Elijah Smith, Shaylin Irwin, Brooklyn White, Katie Oliver, Peyton Clark and Jayden Hill with visiting veteran Jim Osborn.
Fourth grade art students Lane Shrader, Brianna Sargent, Griffin McClelland, Crizma Esparza, Natalie Rose, Caden Dodge, Nolan Hershner, Lane Rizor, with visiting veteran Jim Swain.
Fourth Grade art students Ty Ball, Anthony Bump, Cole Fricke, Shlyla Pruden, Alexi Horn, Lilly Chafin, Morrigan Broadwater, Danielle Pottlkotte with visiting veteran Brad Fricke.
Park Avenue elementary art students Guage Shipman Hunter Lister, Elijah Hardy, Brogan Pfleiderer, Addison Baldwin, Jacob Wilt, Brayden Schuller, Savannah Castler, Iris McGraw, Abby Carey, Kaylor Howard, Lindsay Ayers with visiting veteran John Davis.
