Each morning at Independence Middle School, three students quietly carry out a ritual that connects them to something larger than themselves — raising the American flag before the school day begins.
The tradition dates back roughly 15 years, when a student whose parents both served in the military approached social studies teacher Mrs. Jennifer Makel after watching custodians raise the flag. He wanted to help. School security Officer Mary Ann Popp had a similar idea, and together they created a program for students who take pride in their country to raise the flag each day. The program has continued ever since, with Popp, Makel, and School Police Officer John Remark selecting participants each year.
This year's flag raisers are seventh-grader Tyler Stutzman, eighth-grader Travis Boateng, and Liam Crothers.
Stutzman was selected by Officer Popp and follows in the footsteps of his brother Nathan, a 2023 graduate now serving in the U.S. Navy. "For all the men and women in the world who provide service to us," Stutzman said of his motivation.
Boateng, chosen by Makel, comes from a family with deep military roots — his father served 20 years, his sister has served four years in the Army, and both grandfathers served as well. He hopes to become a pilot.
Crothers, also selected by Popp, said he first noticed the flag-raising tradition in fifth grade. "I thought it was really cool what they were doing," he said. "I always wanted to help out one day."
For staff member Ms. Kristen Fonda, the daily ritual carries deep personal meaning. Her oldest child became a U.S. Marine two years ago, and she remembers when Stutzman's brother Nathan took part in the same program years earlier.
"Every day when the flag is raised, I think of those who served and continue to serve our country," Fonda said. "I get a tear in my eye when I see the flag rise."
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