Voices for the Silent: Snyder Junior High Students Uncover the Stories of Local Veterans
The students of Snyder Junior High recently completed a year-long mission to ensure six local veterans were no longer "Silent Heroes."
Led by SJH English Teacher Mrs. McCormick, students participating in the National History Day project traveled to the cemetery to deliver student-written eulogies at the gravesites of veterans they have been meticulously researching all year. The visit was the culmination of months of archival work, family interviews, and historical analysis.
The day was marked by a moving meeting with Cora Freeman, the widow of WWII veteran Corporal Otto Byrns Freeman, Jr. Accompanied by her sons, Mark and Jimmy, Mrs. Freeman watched as SJH student Brantley McKay delivered a eulogy for her late husband, a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient.
"Cora was deeply moved that our students chose her husband to tell his story," said Mrs. McCormick. "Meeting someone who lived through World War II was a highlight for these students, and the gratitude from the Freeman family reinforced why this work matters."
The students’ research will soon be published on the official National History Day webpage templates for the public to view.
Corporal James Stanley "Coach" Suba: Eulogy by Chyleigh Key.
Sergeant Robert Arnold: Eulogy by Daniela Cabrera.
Corporal Benjamin Frank Schwartz: Eulogy by Journey Burns.
Corporal Willis Merritt Zinn: Eulogy by Karsten McCormick.
Captain Gordon Gray: Eulogy by Motley Moore.
The students’ experience was heightened by Cemetery Director and Navy veteran Craig Wooten, who guided the group and allowed them to observe a formal two-man committal service for Sergeant Richard Glen Carter. To conclude the day, Mr. Wooten surprised the students by presenting each of them with a Challenge Coin, earned through their dedication to honoring the fallen.
"The visit made several students realize that these veterans died for them," Mrs. McCormick noted. "It reinforced that many heroes' stories go untold unless we choose to find them."
The students’ research will soon be published on the official National History Day webpage templates for the public to view.
Thank you, Mrs. McCormick, for bringing this work to our students, and to Mr. Moore, Mrs. Garza, and our SJHS principals for their continued support in making opportunities like this possible.
