Students to give firefighters flag
ADAMS TWP — A Mars High School sophomore has coordinated a project that demonstrates how much students appreciate Adams Area Fire District firefighters.
Howard Huang led the project that will have the school's student council present a framed American flag to the fire district for display in its new fire station on Route 228 once it is completed.
Huang asked the more than 1,000 students enrolled in grades nine through 12 at the high school to submit supportive statements and inspirational quotes that were penned around the edges of the flag.
In his technology education class, Huang also built a wooden picture frame to hold the flag.
Student council plans to present the flag to the Adams Area firefighters once their new fire station is complete in late spring or early summer.
Huang said the purpose of the project was to show the students' support for local first responders. He said the student council also has long-range plans to donate flags to the other fire and police departments in the school district.
Adams Area Fire Chief Bill Hayes did not know about the project, and seemed genuinely delighted upon learning of it on Thursday.
“That's a very nice token of their appreciation and a demonstration of their unselfishness,” Hayes said. “We will proudly display that flag at our new fire station.”
He said the new building could be finished in May or June, although there is no way to know for sure when the construction will be done.
“I'm hoping (the flag project) says that the students do appreciate the services the firefighters provide,” Hayes said, “and hopefully it says that some of them will consider joining the fire district.”
He said he looks forward to the presentation by the student council.
“I think it's wonderful in today's climate,” Hayes said. “All you ever hear is what kids are doing wrong.”
Mars High School senior Claire Staresinic, the student council representative to the school board, told board members about the flag project at their meeting on Tuesday.
The members were pleased to hear about the project.
“We are so proud of our students who have dedicated their time and talents to create a meaningful masterpiece that celebrates our country, our community and our new fire station and those who serve,” school board President Dayle Ferguson said.
