On Patriot Day, we "High Five for Heroes"

Three of Plainfield's four elementary schools began the day with school-wide parades of local heroes: veterans and active duty service-people, and first responders. And the fourth will hold their ceremony at the end of the day (look for that post later this evening).

These first responders and veterans, along with Brentwood scout leader and scout, took part in this morning's "High Five for Heroes."

Patriot Day 2017 marks sixteen years since the world, as today's adults knew it, changed forever. But for schoolchildren, this is a history lesson. Some may have heard stories from family members who were personally affected, but for many, the stories come from their teachers and classroom lessons. One way to bring history to life, though, is to invite it into the school. And that is what Brentwood, Central and Van Buren have done. 

Local police, who serve in many capacities, brought smiles to student's faces as they eagerly gave high fives.

Starting last year, Central invited first responders and relatives of students who have, or are, serving in the military to participate in the school's first "High Five for Heroes." Again this year, led by Central Boy Scouts carrying the flag, the honored guests walked through the hallways where they were greeted by students waving flags and thanking them for their service.

Honoring our veterans, who often were accompanied by their children or relatives, is a big part of the "High Fives for Heroes" event

The program spread to Brentwood and Van Buren this year, where the students and teachers enthusiastically honored their guests with applause, signs and more high fives. 

Mrs. Gray's 3rd grade class was eager to wave the flags they'd made for Patriot Day, and yes, #QuakerFaces were a big part of the occasion!

It's hard to tell who enjoyed the morning's activities the most: those being honored, or the ones doing the honoring. It was powerful for everyone involved.

At @cnquakers, Boy Scouts carried the flag and led the way for the honored guests

At @vbquakers, members of their girl scout troup led the way through the hallways

Plainfield Police Chief, Mr. Krieger, was all smiles as he high five-d the students at Van Buren

Plainfield Fire Territory Chief, Mr. Thacker, greeting students as he and his colleagues were honored on Patriot Day


Plainfield Police Detective Bugler never misses an outstretched hand!


Several students had been eagerly awaiting the chance to meet Mrs. Sadler's husband, and he did not disappoint them!

@PlainfieldFire1 personnel were greeted enthusiastically by students as they paraded through the hallways.