PRINCETON, WV (WOAY) – Mount View High School students from McDowell County’s Jobs for West Virginia Graduates connected with area veterans at Those Who Served War Museum in downtown Princeton.
The students are committed to completing their community service program by serving the veterans who served our country and were excited to meet these real-life heroes.
“They are extraordinary young people and I’m so very proud of them,” said Teacher Debbie Krabbe. “They love what’s happening with the veterans, and have worked extraordinarily hard toward this. It’s been really wonderful.”
Sophomore Abigail Diaz recognizes what the veterans have done and says it will be evident in the video for the Mount View High School Veteran’s Day program (Nov. 12, 7pm).
“We have the freedom of speech and freedom to do what we want and to be able to feel the way we feel and express that,” Diaz said. “It’s so amazing and I could not be more grateful.”
According to Krabbe, 96 students are in the program (76 were at the event) and they engaged with the veterans in a big way.
“This is an awesome museum, and they have a chance to connect with history and the history they’ve been learning about within our program,” said the teacher. “They’re going to talk with other veterans and make a video called ‘I fought for you,’ add pictures of veterans in the area and those will be in the video.”
Hearing the veteran’s stories and stepping back in time with them means a lot to the students.
“I feel like it’s a really good opportunity because it allows us to connect with our veterans,” sophomore Bradley Justice said.
The students know the veterans fought for their freedom and they’ve got to fight for them as well. They are trying to work with Habitat for Humanity to bring two small homes to McDowell County veterans.
“That’s our ultimate goal in this program — to work with veterans (on) homelessness, suicide, PTSD, and recognize those who still serve,” said Krabbe.
The teens’ compassion and understanding for the veterans runs deep.
“The fact they gave us so much and risked their lives for us makes me feel great that I can be here with them to appreciate them,” Justice said.
A West Virginia Chamber Foundation JWVG grant empowers students facing challenges with the necessary skills and support to achieve post-graduation success.
