‘George Patton,? swing dancers and World War II aircraft stormed Clarkston Junior High School on May 16.
The school hosted a United States Services Organization Night with a World War II era theme, helping students learn about history in a hands-on atmosphere.
Students earned extra credit in their social studies classes by visiting the activities and having a ‘ration book? they received at the door stamped.
Activities included looking at propaganda posters, watching educational World War II movies, identifying historical figures from the area, observing student projects, learning to swing dance and listening to real war veterans.
‘It’s really informational with the speakers and all the projects,? said ninth-grader Matt Decker. ‘It made social studies interesting.?
Social studies teacher Mike Greve explained the event was the first of its kind at CJHS, conceived during a staff developmental day by the social studies teachers. Fellow teacher John Drallos, who taught students how to swing dance, concurred with Greve, saying discussion started in November with plans really taking shape in February.
‘We were sitting around talking about cool things we could do near the end of the year,? said Greve. ‘It’s hands on because we tried to put things in related to the time period? It gives them a different perspective and it’s easier to learn when you’re having fun.?
The special guests of the night were five World War II veterans who spoke to students about their personal experiences.
‘I thought it was really cool because you knew the real aspect of (their experiences),? said ninth-grader Elizabeth Hawthorne, who listened to veteran Bob Wills discuss his flying missions while video coverage shot overseas played on the TV monitor.
About 80-90 student projects were on display ranging from models of World War II era aircraft to re-enacting a historical figure.
‘It was a very open project. There were a lot of things they could do’anything they wanted associated with World War II,? said Greve.
Students visiting the re-enactors listened to a presentation by the historical character and then could ask questions about that person.
‘You might not learn as much about all the things, but you learn a lot about one subject and that helps you understand other parts of the war and time period,? said ninth-grader Ashley Kukuk, who was George Patton.
Decker selected the re-enactors as his favorite project.
‘They are the most interesting because they actually move,? said Decker.
Overall, Drallos called the event a success and said it could definitely become an annual activity.