On Tuesday Hoover Elementary School students dedicated a monument that honors all veterans who have served and are serving in the armed forces. The fourth-grade students started the project last spring and saw it come to a fitting conclusion on a bright and sunny day.
Fourth-grade teacher Tricia Whicker said the students have always placed an importance on Veterans Day at the school. The efforts led to the State of Indiana proclaiming Hoover Elementary as a Purple Star School.
“This monument is beyond what I dreamed of when we were planning a monument,” Whicker said. “I am extremely thankful for the community and our students and I am in awe of how nice this monument is.”
After learning of the school’s designation, Whicker met with Mike Spencer of the Byron Legion Post 72 in March 2023. Spencer, who is actively involved with the new Veterans Memorial Park, said he believed he could get some others involved. And, he did.
Allen Monument designed and donated the monument which is located in front of the flag pole at the school’s main doors. Charlie Allen of Allen Monuments said his company is pleased to be a part of the project.
“It means a lot that the students are a part of all this and that alone gives this special meaning,” Allen said.
Cooper Bowman designed the monument as he did the large monument at the Veterans Memorial Park.
“It is an honor to do something like this and I am very thankful to be a part of it and thankful for our veterans,” Bowman said.
Superintendent Rex Ryker was present at the ceremony. He was appreciative that the students and staff made the project a reality.
“I am proud of their efforts,” Ryker said. “This is a great way to honor our veterans.”
The monument was specifically placed where students will walk beside it daily as they enter and leave the building.
Students thanked Spencer and the American Legion Post 72 as well as Allen Monuments including Allen, Bowman, Josh Wade, Hope Allen-Stone and Caleb Bonwell.
