Highland alumni military honor wall to recognize graduates who served

MEDINA — More than 180 Highland High School alumni have already been submitted for recognition on a new military honor wall that organizers hope to unveil at the school by Veterans Day. That number is nearly double what organizers initially expected. The Highland Alumni Military Honor Wall will recognize individual Highland graduates who have served in the U.S. armed forces. It will be installed in the theater lobby beside an existing military display that recognizes Vietnam veterans. Kristen Oberhaus, who is helping lead the project through the Highland High School Alumni Committee, said her two daughters' military service inspired her to add to the wall. "I have two daughters who served in the military, so they were my inspiration to do this," Oberhaus said. "To recognize all the veterans who went to Highland." Organizers initially estimated they would receive about 100 names. More than 180 have been submitted through an online form promoted through social media and email. The wall will feature interlocking, honeycomb-shaped panels in Highland colors. Each panel will include the name of a Highland alumnus or alumna, graduation year and branch of military service. The Highland Alumni Committee is working with the Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence on the project. The foundation provided $16,034 in initial funding, and organizers are seeking donations to reimburse that investment. Donors will be recognized with a plaque. The goal is to have the wall completed in November so it can be presented around Veterans Day. The project is intended to grow beyond its initial installation. Organizers plan to continue accepting submissions from alumni not included in the first round and hope to add names annually around Veterans Day. The wall also could become an educational resource for Highland students. Oberhaus said information collected through the submissions could allow students to research the alumni represented on the wall and, when possible, interview veterans or the people who submitted their names. Students could learn about the alumni's military service, their experiences and what they did after graduating from Highland. Organizers have also discussed adding photographs and short biographies of alumni who are currently serving. Oberhaus said she hopes the display will prompt students and other members of the Highland community to become curious about the people behind the names. "Just having it there inspires, makes people think about those people who served the country," she said. Information about the Honor Wall, including how to submit an alumnus for recognition or contribute to the project, is available through the Highland Foundation's website at tinyurl.com/2p6x3dhr. Contact Brooke Adams at 440-822-8373 or badams@medina-gazette.com.