York behind restoration of national memorial

York and Winicki are excited about presenting the project to other schools and teachers and will travel to the Midwest during the first week in November for that purpose.

“I’m always happy to talk about the project. Walt Winicki and I will be traveling to Chicago this week to speak to a school there that will be hosting the exhibit, and traveling to Indianapolis to present it at the National Middle School Conference. We’re very excited that the project continues to spread to schools across the nation,” York said.

Helping to restore the WWI memorial in Washington, D.C. was the brainchild of York, a teacher of 22 years. The WWI memorial project idea began as York watched a story on a morning news show last year.

“I was surprised to hear that all veterans of foreign wars are memorialized on the nation’s Mall in Washington, D.C. except those who fought in the ‘Great War’ – WWI. I watched as the story unfolded of a Michigan photographer who had sought out, and photographed, the only 11 surviving veterans of that war to bring attention to their service. One of those portraits is of Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran. Currently there is an uncared-for local D.C. memorial off the Mall dedicated only to their WWI veterans. Mr. DeJonge had formed the WWI Memorial Foundation to refurbish and re-designate it as a national memorial. Later we learned our own representative, Ted Poe, introduced legislation to do just that,” said York.

York said the story really spoke to her as something their students could research, use to connect to their curriculum, honor veterans and make a difference.

“Many families travel to the capitol; and I felt that if the students got involved, they would feel a meaningful connection whenever they got to visit our nation’s capital. In the fall of 2008, I spoke with my principal and several teachers who all agreed it would be a worthy undertaking,” she said.

York said the Humble ISD Service-Learning Board played a significant role in accessing grant funds to support bringing the portrait exhibit to the district.

“After a few phone calls to pursue what we could do, I dialed Mr. DeJonge in Michigan and heard, ‘Hello, this is David,’ and a partnership was born,” York said. “We became the first stop on its (the portrait exhibit) national tour.”

DeJonge was so pleased with the student’s efforts; he asked them to create ‘The Creekwood Plan’ to pass on to other districts across the country that take on the project. It can also be found on the Web site www.randomkid.org, where students can join. Anyone who believes in honoring the WWI veterans can also log on to www.wwimemorialfoundation.org to sign a petition that will be presented to lawmakers.

According to York, they formed a large, involved group of teachers, PTA members and Service-Learning Board members that met regularly. Each took on responsibilities that developed curriculum connections, publicity, donations, venues, set-up and many more. Students joined the plans by developing flyers, speaking to community groups, ordering t-shirts, collecting donations and planning performances. Students in American history classes at Kingwood High School and Quest High School studied and prepared presentations for the Civic Center venue.

“Representatives from other campuses joined our meetings and returned to involve their students. Principal Winicki and I presented the project at an Humble ISD board meeting. Students collected over $16,000 during WWI Week. We were honored to be asked to present the check to Mr. Buckles personally at his home in West Virginia. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. Thirteen teachers ran for their credit cards and booked the trip. Three parents who were so touched by their children’s involvement also made arrangements to join the group. We met Ted Poe at the Capital who gave us a very special tour. He had returned to Congress and made a speech from the floor commending the students of Creekwood and Humble ISD for their patriotic effort to support the veterans of WWI. Another special moment was when we were able to show all of the students the video of his speech. They really had made a difference!” said York.

Superintendent Sconzo and the Humble ISD board members continued the momentum when they challenged those involved in the project to an exhibition basketball game to raise more funds.

“A wonderful crowd packed the KHS gym to see a heated (all in good fun) game for the cause. Board member Brent Engelage has challenged us to continue the efforts and involve all schools. Phase II has begun at CMS with over 50 student volunteers meeting weekly to determine activities for this year,” she said.

Winicki said no one at Creekwood is completely willing to let this project end.

“Rarely does one get the chance to be involved in a project like this. Many of us made a commitment to Frank Buckles and David DeJonge to do whatever we could to see the national memorial become a reality. Jan York has served as our inspiration and project leader this past year. It is her vision and leadership that has inspired students and staff to become involved at ever increasing levels. The passion and dedication Jan has brought to this project has certainly been contagious. This year the students have been coming up with ideas and plans to continue with the WWI national memorial service learning project. It is exciting to watch what is taking place and is a source of pride to be involved,” said Winicki.

According to York, who comes from a family of educators, working with the kids is the most fulfilling part of her job. She grew up in the Midwest, graduated from Perdue University and taught in the St. Louis and Chicago suburbs. York and her family transferred to this area with Exxon and bought the 60th house built in Kingwood.

“My father was superintendent of schools in my hometown and I always wanted to live up to the example of integrity and commitment he had for education,” York said.

She said her dad influenced her choice of profession and the tradition continues. Her son and daughter-in-law are both in education and have given her two grandchildren. Her daughter works for an oil company in Houston, and she feels blessed that they all live close, since they play a very important role in her life.

Photo By Trilla Cook