Plymouth High School Social Studies teachers used field trips to the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall that was in Plymouth last week to help some 740 students understand the importance of studying history. According to teacher, Laura Kruyer, a number of students commented on how humbling the experience made them feel. Kruyer said, “The names of over 58,000 Americans who sacrificed their lives for this country was overwhelming and inspiring at the same time.”
Kruyer added, “Having the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall come to Plymouth enabled the Social Studies Department to present students who were there visiting with a unique opportunity to experience history firsthand.” Many of the students were able to speak with veterans at the wall and thank them for their service.
The week also marked the annual Civic Engagement Week that is presented by the Social Studies Department as well. Kruyer said, “Besides learning more about the Vietnam War, there were discussions about the 9/11 on the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The students in high school today have no collective memory of either event. For students to hear about the impact of the events from those who lived through them was powerful.”
Activities during the Civic Engagement unit concluded with a Constitutional Quiz Bowl. Students competed in two preliminary rounds to determine who would represent each grade level in the finals competition.
Kruyer shared her appreciation to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for supplying quiz information and Applebee’s for providing prizes for the winning teams.
Carol Anders Correspondent
