In November, Falcon Middle School held its annual Military Appreciation Day. Active duty, reserve and retired members of the military were recognized during a ceremony in the school gym. As part of the ceremony, the Exchange clubs of Falcon and Colorado Springs dedicated a Freedom Shrine, which is one of a succession of 32 historical value plaques related to American history. The plaques cover a span of years beginning with the Mayflower Compact through the Martin Luther King, “I have a dream” speech.This Freedom Shrine is a first for D 49 but not the last. As the Exchange Club of Falcon matures and generates funds, additional shrines will be installed and dedicated in other schools in the district. Students were encouraged to participate by writing an essay on the theme, “Freedom, is it worth the fight”? Seventh and eight grade students submitted 257 essays; a winning essay from each grade was chosen.The winners, Ryan Yee and McKenzie Parsons, were given the opportunity to read their essay. And each winner received a plaque and a $100 savings bond from the Exchange Club of Colorado Springs.The Exchange clubs of Falcon and Colorado Springs wish to express their appreciation to Donald Begier, principal of Falcon Middle School, the Falcon Middle School maintenance personnel who placed the paneling and the Falcon School District for allowing the clubs to install and dedicate the shrine.
