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Real-life lessons were learned Monday morning at Luverne Elementary School during the first student-led Veterans Day Coffee and Treats Open House.
Members of the newly created elementary student council followed through with suggestions given last year by students in Amy VonHoltum’s class.
Each trimester, the council proposed completing one school and one community-based event or celebration.
“Veterans Day seemed like a really great way for us to give back,” VonHoltum said.
Principal Stacy Gillette suggested an open house in the elementary commons, and the students worked out the details for the public Veterans Day event in the elementary school.
For two hours students greeted veterans, served them coffee and donuts and sat with them during the come-and-go event.
Each table was decorated with red, white and blue-themed items, candy and a small brown card titled “Conversation Starters.”
Patriotic music and a slide show played in the background.
Student council members invited fellow classmates to sit with visitors and ask the questions.
Fifth-grader Dylan Hoff was surprised at some of the answers he received from veteran Marc Rhoades, who was formerly from St. Paul but now lives in the veterans home in Luverne.
“The Vietnam War had a bunch of people sign up, and I didn’t think that happened outside of the World Wars,” Hoff said.
Rhoades served during the Vietnam War as a Naval flight surgeon.
Younger students joined in the open house by writing letters or coloring thank you notes. The classes stopped by the tables and handed each veteran their personalized work.
The veterans appreciated the students’ efforts to recognize special members within their communities.
Chuck Egland of Luverne said he attended because Reagan Gangestad, whom he sees often in church, asked him to attend Monday’s event at her school.
“She sent me an invite and I couldn’t turn her down,” Egland said. “If they give you respect, it’s important you show respect back.”