Clover Park sophomores to recreate Arlington National Cemetery

LAKEWOOD-Twenty-seven sophomore boys from Clover Park High School will recreate Arlington National Cemetery on the front lawn of the high school in honor of soldiers who have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"The project fulfills the students' annual service learning and community service project, said Bryan Winkler, Clover Park High School teacher and Phoenix Academy sophomore advisor. "More importantly, the project has challenged these boys to think outside of themselves, improve their surroundings and work together towards a common goal."

Parker Paint donated 5,000 wooden paint stirring sticks and supplies. The sticks will be painted white and students will write the names of local, state and national soldiers who have lost their lives serving our country. As a tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the sticks will be spaced two-and-a-half feet apart-the exact stride length of the guards who watch over the tomb.

Students will set up the memorial Thursday, May 22 and it will be in place through Memorial Day.

In addition to honoring military men and women, students have spent time researching the Arlington National Cemetery and how it became a national shrine. More than half of the students involved in the project are connected to the military.

"These students are learning that the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers impact their families, the community, and our nation," said Winkler. "The impact and education from this project will travel beyond these students now and in the future. It will help to remind them that our way of living should not be taken for granted."