By Emma Suttell
Published July 26, 2019
Arizona Republic
From the first time I had the honor to perform the National Anthem at a Veterans Heritage Project Book Reception and Ceremony, I knew the program was something special. I stood to the side and watched students circle the room, arms full to the brim with books waiting to be signed, chatting with veterans, and connecting beyond generational barriers.
Veterans Heritage Project’s after-school character education program allows students like me to be immersed in one-on-one personal accounts of heroism and service directly from veterans, learning leadership skills and developing a passion for history, writing, and civics. The program also allows veterans to continue to serve by imparting their hard-earned wisdom. When my advisor asked me to take a leadership role in the program’s inaugural year at my own Boulder Creek High School, I jumped at the opportunity without a second thought.