By ALISA JOHNSON
After over 11,978 hours of service for Freedom Week 1997, Springville High School received the Daughters of the American Revolution National Award.
The award, certificate and ribbons were presented Friday at 1 p.m. at the high school at 1205 E. 900 South in Springville.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all that our school has won this award,” Springville High Principal Mike Hicks said. “We have the best kids around and they organized a patriotism event very well.”
Utah State Regent for Daughters of the American Revolution Sue Anderson and Junior American Citizen Chairman for the Wasatch Range Chapter Patty Roberts presented the awards.
A flag that was flown over the nation’s capitol was donated to the school from Utah Senator Bob Bennett during the awards ceremony.
“I am so pleased with the tenacity and courage for these students and I want the world to know there are still great kids out there,” Roberts said. “These kids love the Constitution and they are not afraid to show it.”
Senior Wendy Woodfield was also presented with the national essay award for her essay on “What Freedom Means to Me.”
“I have always loved learning about history and the patriotism in the nation,” Woodfield said. “I was not expecting to win at all so I was very surprised that my essay won.”
The closing ceremony of Freedom Week 1997 included a presentation of a 15 by 25 foot flag to former Mayor Delora Bertelsen. The students raised $300 to pay for the flag. The students also began a tradition of saying the Pledge of Allegiance together as a student body every Friday.
“What is amazing about these kids is that they are willing to be courageous and stand up for what they believe in,” Roberts said.
The project began because the Youth Council City Representative and Springville High student Anna Roberts mentioned the high school could organize an event to help raise money for a new flag for the city. The Student Council then planned a Freedom Week last November to promote patriotism within the school and raise flag funds.
Student Council member Craig Nielsen said the school wasn’t expecting to receive a reward and did the activities without such intentions.
“We just wanted to motivate students about patriotism,” Nielsen said.
Events for Freedom Week 1997 included guest speaker Doug Whitney, skits on freedom, a kiss the pig contest and a speech contest. Six teachers each had a bottle to raise money for the flag and the teacher who raised the most money got to kiss a pig.
All 1,376 Springville High School students and 63 members of the faculty participated in Freedom Week 1997.
“Not only were the students great about showing patriotism, but they couldn’t have accomplished all they did without great support from the faculty,” Roberts said.
