The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
High school students put on lunch for vets
The service of veterans was honored Nov. 9 when Vermilion High School students hosted a free lunch for local military veterans.
“This is the 20th year we’ve had a lunch for the veterans that the students have participated in,” said Kristy Edmison, a social studies teacher at Vermilion High. “It started when a fellow teacher Mike Ziemke and I decided we wanted to do something to honor the service of veterans.
“Mike, who is now retired, and I both had fathers who served, so we came up with the idea. And it has been going every year since.”
Edmison said the event also has been held in the same location.
“We have held the event here (1230 Beechview Drive) since the building was the district’s administration
building,” she said. “Church of the Open Door bought the building a few years back, and they have been gracious enough to allow us to continue to use it.
“The first year, we had 12 veterans at the lunch. And last year, we had 66, so word of the event is growing with each year.”
Edmison said there is very little she has to do in preparing for the luncheon.
“The students do most of the work; I just sit back and monitor for the most part,” she said. “The students handle the invites, the food and most of the organizing. They do a great job.”
Hallie Habermehl, 14, a Vermilion High freshman, said there is a great deal of preparation to putting on the luncheon.
“It’s been a little crazy around here,” Hallie said. “We’ve all been doing a good job of working together, and everyone has been working hard to make the luncheon happen.
“We’ve had some in charge of decorations, setting up the table/chairs, preparing the food and sending out the invitations to veterans ahead of time.”
Hallie said it was important for the students to put on the luncheon.
“We need to recognize the veterans,” she said. “They should be thanked for what they’ve done.”
Bob Beach, a U.S. Marine veteran and Vermilion resident, said the luncheon was well done.
“I think the students really did a great job,” Beach said. “A lot of them have taken the time to come over and talk to us.
“There’s a lot they can learn. It’s not easy for them to do this, so I’m thankful for what they’ve done.”