By Brenda Sexton

The Courier-Herald

Marine 1st Lt. Sean Robertson stares from a photograph in the Carbonado Historical School District's Don Argo gymnasium. His picture was placed on a star by school staff member Janet Porter.

Another star honors Harold Armandariz who is related to third-grader Mercedes Irby.

Not far away is a star paying tribute to Brett Kelley, placed on the wall by first-grader Summer Kelley.

Nearly 90 red, white or blue stars, many with photographs attached, were placed on the gym wall last week for the same reason - to honor the community's military men and women for their work at preserving America's freedom.

"We thought this would be a nice way to show our appreciation and explain to many what a veteran is," said Lollie Williams, one of the school's staff members who helped put together the tribute.

For many of the 186 kindergarten through eighth-grade students, Friday was the first time they got a look at the wall of honor. Each student filed past the stories and photographs after a Veterans Day ceremony filled with patriotic songs, stories and a special presentation from representatives Al Lau and Milt Till of the Enumclaw Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1949.

The wall will stay up through the school's annual Thanksgiving feast, so the community can view it.

The wall was organized by leadership students and staff members Williams, Ali Jay, Holly Barrett and Signe Lukasiak.

Seventh-grader Katie Jo Clinkingbeard, who helped with the project, said a star was sent home with each student. She said stars were still coming in Friday. She hung a star recognizing her uncle Tommy Pries, who fought in Afghanistan.

Stars were also set out at the town's post office so those in the community who do not have students in the school could participate, too.

Williams said while doing the project, she found the children had great pride in those they knew who had served their country. She said it personalized the project and helped bring the meaning of Veterans Day home for many students.

"It's nice to have the kids contribute," Williams said. "Here in Carbonado it makes it real personal."

Some of the soldiers on display are from outside the Carbonado community like those placed by staff member Penny Frye, whose stars represent soldiers she's adopted in the United States' latest conflict. But each veteran has a tie to those who live in Carbonado.

It's quite a display, said Principal Scott Hubbard, who included a couple of stars to honor soldiers he wanted to respect.

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@courierherald.com.