FIELD TWP — North Woods School marked Veterans Day this year with the hum of conversations and the aroma of coffee in the commons area. Fourteen veterans joined students for the school’s annual Veterans Day Celebration Coffee, the largest turnout since the event began about six years ago.
The morning exchange has become one of the school’s most meaningful traditions, said Principal Kelly Engman, offering students the chance to meet the men and women behind the uniforms rather than simply watch a ceremony from the bleachers.
“I just think it’s such a wonderful experience for both our veterans and our students because the veterans get to tell their stories and our students really get to see firsthand experience,” Engman said. “It just builds our community and makes our community stronger.”
North Woods once held a large Veterans Day assembly in the gym, but the format shifted several years ago thanks to the efforts of social studies teacher Jon Scherf, U.S. Army veteran and former staff member Pat Lamwers, and students from the Iron Range Youth in Action group.
“We had decided that it would be better for the veterans and for the kids themselves instead of having that really large presentation in the gymnasium where it was kind of loud and rowdy,” Scherf said. “It would be much more personable to have a smaller setting like this where the veterans could actually sit and chat with some of the kids.”
Students prepare questions in advance and rotate among tables, asking veterans about their experiences, seeing photos and memorabilia, and hearing about life during and after military service.
“In my opinion, this has a greater impact than just a program,” Engman said.
This year’s event included veterans representing nearly every branch of service, and Lamwers said she was thrilled to see such a strong response.
“Today we have 14 veterans, and it’s our biggest veteran turnout,” she said. “It’s wonderful for the students to be able to talk to a veteran, to get to know some veterans in their community and to hear that they’re just normal community members who have served our country.”
Many veterans brought along photo albums, medals, and other mementos from their time in service, sparking curiosity and conversation among students. Those personal touches helped make the history they’d read in class feel tangible and real.
“Bringing some of the picture albums and things so they can see what these gentlemen and women experienced, that’s pretty neat, too,” Scherf said.
Students and teachers also found ways to express their appreciation in return. Industrial arts teacher Bruce Black’s classes crafted wooden American flags for the guests, while elementary students made colorful thank-you cards to send home with each veteran.
“What veteran doesn’t want to receive a card from a cute little kid?” Scherf said with a grin.
For students, the day offers a living lesson in history and citizenship. Colt Chosa, a North Woods student who helped advertise the event, said he was proud to see so many people respond.
“I think it’s a great thing what we’re doing at North Woods,” Chosa said. “I think we’re all about inclusivity, and I feel like this really embodies that. It just really warms my heart to see so many veterans coming out here today.”
For veterans like Les Holm, who served in Korea in 1969-70, the conversations were just as rewarding.
“It’s nice talking to the kids and seeing what they plan on doing in life, talking about what we did for our country,” Holm said.
When students asked what he enjoyed most about being in the service, Holm summed it up succinctly: “Nothing. Coming home.”
Younger veterans also see the value in sharing modern experiences with students. David Shuster, who recently returned from a tour in Syria, said he appreciates the curiosity and respect students bring to the table.
“Less than one percent of the population of America will ever be in the military, so it is kind of fun to give younger people that are curious about the military service a little window into what it’s really like,” Shuster said. “Something that a recruiter might not tell them.”
As the last cups of coffee cooled and students drifted off to class, Engman looked over the commons that had been filled with conversation and gratitude.
“Anytime we can bring people in from the community to strengthen our whole community, our school and outside, it’s better for everybody,” she said.