ATTICA, Ohio — Students at Seneca East Local Schools are learning the importance of honoring veterans and their country.
Seneca East High School hosts the Stars, Stripes, & Lights cross-country meet, which has been a community staple for many years. But, it's just one part of a week-long experience held annually for the past four years honoring first responders, veterans and active military.
"Having the veterans, the Vietnam Wall and all of the different things at our meets that we host, it's just we really get to connect with them, which a lot of schools don't get the chance to do," said Seneca student Valerie Bordner.
Evan Schiefer, also a student and cross country runner, said learning from veterans is a very rewarding experience.
"It's a big privilege to be at this school and in this area to support the veterans and just how much they've done for us and all their sacrifices. It's a big honor," Schiefer said.
It goes both ways, too. Jim Alt, a Purple Heart Vietnam veteran, says he's grateful to be an example for younger generations.
"It makes me feel wonderful to give back to the community and to be part of this type of stuff, these events that the school's been putting on the last few years," Alt said.
James Schumacher, also a Purple Heart Vietnam veteran, said he's glad to see younger people be receptive to learning from veterans.
"The patriotism that they're showing now towards the veterans and our country, that is very important for the young people to be able to see that and do it," he said.
Superintendent Laura Kagy added that the district made a concerted effort several years ago to draw community focus to their veterans and first responders to instill in their students a love of country, love of community and love of service.
"The patriotism is something they feel good about and they learn very quickly that they're part of something bigger and we're happy to be able to instill that in our students," Kagy said.