The funds were raised through the middle school’s penny war in November and from the sales of paper footprints bearing the names of family and friends who had been in the service or are currently in the service.
The footprints were sold for $1 per footprint and then hung on the walls throughout the middle school to create a pathway where students could “walk in the footsteps of heroes.”
Cole Callihan was one of the middle school students who participated in the project, donating $40 of his hard-earned chore money.
Middle School teacher and organizer of the project Rojean Sprague said his efforts are just one example of the caliber of students at TK and their generosity. “We have great kids and a great community who always are willing to help,” she said.
Jerry Welsh said the Veterans Memorial project is planned to begin installation this spring of the granite walls and brick pavers. But he said the project is still raising funds to meet their $100,000 need. The project is tentatively set for a dedication during the Middleville Heritage Day celebration in late summer.
Pattrick Jansens with the Barry County United Way and Veterans Affairs, said funds donated by the students will be used to help veterans with different needs.
“We fill the gaps with funding and try to help vets in any way we can,” said Jansens.
Barry County United Way provides all the county veterans affairs services through the United Way office. Those services include emergency assistance, veterans benefits, and community services. He said the United Way helps integrate returning veterans back into the community so they can be productive citizens in the community.
The students donated $150 to the Middleville veterans memorial project and $350 to the United Way Veterans Affairs program.