SARASOTA – The Sarasota VFW celebrated Loyalty Day by honoring Suncoast students and teachers.
“Their patriotism, I’m finding out is just far greater than I ever thought,” said VFW Post 3233 Commander, Jim Berger.
VFW post 3233 recognized a group of Suncoast students who won awards for their voice of democracy and patriots pen essays, which reflects on what patriotism means to them.
“We do this every year, it’s offered as a class option for them to do in class, and the cadets a lot of them really truly enjoy writing the essays and having some of them recognized, it’s a great honor,” said Teacher at Sarasota Military Academy, Alex Vanston.
Vanston, was one of the two teachers recognized by the VFW and the district for their outstanding dedication in teaching
“It’s an honor, it’s an honor to be recognized as well, I didn’t know I was getting recognized today, I just came because I was invited by my students,” said Vanston.
Students got to share their essays and reflect.
“I think it’s really interesting that all of the essays have a similar underlying theme, everybody has a different position and input based on their life experiences and what everyone can bring to the table is really surprising,” said 6th grader at Sarasota Military Academy, Lillian Brown.
For many, their inspiration was personal.
“Being able to look back at what I’ve learned in school and what I have acquired just over the years, including what my parents have taught me as well,” said 12th grader at Sarasota Military Academy, Mackenzie Gregory.
“It’s kind of the same way with me, because my dad used to be in the navy and I want to go to the navy and I’ve always been really patriotic and I care about my country,” said 11th grader at Sarasota Military Academy, Elena Wood.
“My dad is in the military himself and I thought as if I was going to write something that would benefit how I would act in life like how my dad was heroic and just serves his country,” said 7th grader at Woodland Middle School, Kaleb Piere.
Leaving their parents, nothing but overjoyed..
“I am extremely, extremely proud of him, when I got the letter I was celebrating, jumping around and calling everybody and letting him know, this is you, this is what you accomplished,” said Parent, Debbie Good about her 6th grader, Matthew Good.
For more information on the VFW, you can visit their website here, and Post 3233, here.
