School Board Recognizes Staff for Meaningful Veterans Day Program
The Griswold Community School Board recently recognized four staff members for their leadership and dedication in organizing a meaningful Veterans Day program this past November — Jackie Brokaw, Denise Mardesen, Haley Schmidt, and Karla Wilson. This year’s program especially stood out for its intentional involvement of every grade level and multiple clubs and groups throughout the district.
Leading up to November 11, students across the school participated in grade-appropriate lessons and projects designed to help them understand the meaning of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made by those who serve. From patriotic handprints created by preschool and kindergarten students to heartfelt letters written by fifth graders, every student played a role. Projects included paper medals, placemats for the post-program reception, patriotic pennants, poems, music, readings, and artwork — all reinforcing the message that freedom is not free.
For Denise Mardesen, who has been involved with planning and implementing 25 of the 26 Veterans Day programs at Griswold, the purpose has always been clear. “From the beginning, the main goal has been to honor and appreciate our veterans,” she said. “Involving our students adds an educational component as well.” Her long-standing commitment has helped shape the program into a meaningful tradition for both students and the community.
This tradition began 26 years ago when Nancy Taylor and Ivan Lynch started Griswold CSD's Veterans Day program. Nancy spent countless hours planning the program each year with great thoroughness, while Ivan did an outstanding job getting the word out to the public. Their dedication laid the foundation for the lasting program that continues to impact students and veterans today.
Jackie Brokaw emphasized the personal importance of the program. “As someone with a veteran grandparent, I have seen firsthand the hardships they endured and how those experiences shaped their life,” she shared. “It is important that we acknowledge those who sacrificed time with their own families to ensure that we are safe at home.” She also noted how meaningful it was to see the entire school come together. “This was a whole-school effort. It brought us together to honor those who gave their time and endured hardship to keep us safe here at home.”
Karla Wilson reflected on the broader impact of the program on both students and the community. “The Veterans Day program is important to me because it brings our community together — not just our local community, but veterans and their families as well,” she said. “It’s essential to demonstrate our gratitude and to help students develop a deeper respect and appreciation for those who have served.” Karla added that going beyond her primary role is driven by the belief that small acts can have lasting effects. “A single act of kindness can completely change someone’s outlook, whether that impact is felt now or years down the road.”
This year’s program also featured guest speaker Todd Jacobson, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran who served during Operation Desert Storm and was named the 2015 VFW Iowa Teacher of the Year. Karla noted that his message left a strong impression.
Haley Schmidt shared that her involvement is rooted in both family and tradition. “With several military veterans in my family, I feel it’s essential to portray these admirable people as the distinguished, heroic individuals they are,” she said. “Our school’s Veterans Day program has been a longstanding occasion to thank and honor our community veterans, and helping students make this a special event for veterans and their families is important to me.”
One of the most moving moments of the program, Mrs. Mardesen noted, comes near the end with the Service Songs medley. “As our veterans stand when hearing their song, for some of them the years seem to melt away,” she said. “You can see their pride and honor from serving their country.”
Following the program, many attendees commented on how meaningful the experience was, particularly during the fellowship and dessert reception. Through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to service, this year’s Veterans Day program honored local veterans while hopefully instilling gratitude, respect, and civic pride in Griswold’s students — values that will carry forward well beyond a single day.
Thank you to Jackie, Denise, Haley, and Karla for honoring our veterans and creating meaningful learning experiences for our Tigers. Because of staff like these, our students don’t just hear about service — they see it in action.
