Three years ago the eighth grade literature classes wrote letters to World War II veterans as part of their study of The Diary of a Young Girl:  Anne Frank.  Many of the students received letters from the veterans in return.  One veteran, Rev. John McGowan, drove to the Valwood middle school to meet the young man who had written to him.  Rev. McGowan told the administrative assistant how he had read the letter with tears running down his face and that no one had ever thanked him for his service in the war.   Rev. McGowan met John Akins that day, and a lasting friendship began.  A few days later Rev. McGowan returned to Valwood to visit with John and met many of his eighth grade classmates.  Over lunch, Rev.  McGowan shared fascinating stories of his experiences during the war.  As a result, the eighth grade class decided to present a Veterans Day program in honor of the veterans with whom they had corresponded.   Rev.  McGowan was ill that day and unable to attend.  The eighth grade has continued the tradition, and this year Rev. McGowan was in attendance.  John, now a tenth grader, learned that his friend would be on campus and made arrangements to attend the program.  He sat with Rev. McGowan and his wife Eleanor during the program and stayed with them until he had to return to class.    Rev. McGowan said again how much the letter he received three years ago had meant to him and that his relationship with John had become very special. 

A young man studies literature and writes a letter.  Two lives intersect.  An annual Veterans Day program ensues.    

Academics, Character, Service

On November 10, 2009, the Valwood Middle School presented the third annual Veterans Day Celebration. Over sixty veterans, many accompanied by spouses or other family members, attended the program. Several active duty Air Force personnel were present as well.