Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Memorials topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
John Glenn students pitch permanent "Wall of Heroes" to honor local veterans; district pledges support
Summary
Students from John Glenn High School presented a student-led plan for a permanent, interactive "Wall of Heroes" memorial in school hallways, laid out materials and fundraising cost estimates, and noted a $2,999 donated interactive panel from Teq toward the project.
Students and staff from John Glenn High School presented plans for a permanent Wall of Heroes honoring local military veterans and seeking community donations and memorabilia during the Elwood Board of Education meeting on Feb. 12.
Lindsay Fritsch, assistant principal, introduced student presenters Walidan “Wally” Malhi, Bryce Blaylock and Nicholas Palaciano, who described a multimedia installation to be placed near the school cafeteria and tech labs. The students proposed display shelving for memorabilia, branch insignia, and a 65-inch interactive flat-panel to show photos and stories.
Student Wally Malhi described the purpose: “This project is a permanent feature we wish to make in order to honor and celebrate these people from our community.” He said the installation would combine student work, veteran stories and memorabilia to foster community and learning.
Bryce Blaylock provided an itemized estimate: a 65-inch smart TV valued at about $3,000 (recorded as a donation from Teq), military symbols about $300, shelving $1,200, a micro PC for $500 and $1,500 for miscellaneous costs, plus software to display veteran information. Nicholas Palaciano outlined a fundraising plan through April with local business partnerships, bake sales, flag sales and a planned dedication ceremony on May 23.
The team said the display will use guidelines from the Department of Defense’s public outreach division to ensure official seals are presented properly and that the software will include interactive features allowing viewers to tap and explore veteran stories, photographs and artifacts. Administrators said the project will tie into curriculum and makerspace activities.
Board members praised the student work and pledged support. The board later accepted a donated 65-inch interactive flat panel from Teq with a stated value of $2,999 to support the Wall of Heroes project; the donation was listed on the consent/donations agenda and accepted by vote during the meeting.
Ending: Students said they will continue fundraising and asked community members and veterans to submit memorabilia via a donation form; the district said the installation is intended to be an ongoing, student-maintained resource.
