Out of the various clubs at the high school, the Veterans Appreciation Club is one of the most important clubs. Not only does it honor military veterans and active service members, but it also brings students together.
The Veterans Appreciation Club is an active club run by Hingham High School students. During the school year, the Veterans Appreciation Club contributes to multiple events, including Veteran Suicide Awareness, Remembrance Day, Halloween Candy Drive, Homecoming fundraisers, Holiday Clothing Drive, Holiday Fair, making cards for Veterans in nursing homes, participating in the Memorial Day Ceremony, and helping at South School Elementary Memorial Day Ceremony. Club President Ginger Niehoff states, “I think it is important for students to recognize Veterans because their sacrifices often go unnoticed. It becomes very easy to take our freedom and safety for granted, so it is essential that we make a conscious effort in acknowledging and remembering the lives and efforts behind our privilege of comfort.”
Ginger’s older sister, Ella Niehoff, graduated recently from the U.S. Naval Academy and is now in basic training to become a Marine. Ginger says the club has changed her perspective on both service and sacrifice majorly. She emphasizes that just because a veteran or service member sacrifices something does not mean their journey is over, but their legacy lives on. Ginger also adds, “My favorite event that our club participates in and helps contribute to is the Memorial Day Ceremony at Town Hall. This has been a great way for our club to connect with our Veterans across the South Shore on a first-hand, name basis. Building these connections has also been essential in helping break the stigma around talking about mental health and the lasting effects of service.” The club has taught Ginger, and multiple other members, the value of honoring those who have served, and those who are actively serving.
Why should you join? The Veterans Appreciation Club builds an understanding of the price of their sacrifice. Participating in the club helps teach people the sacrifice veterans and military members have given up. The Veterans Appreciation Club is an opportunity for students to celebrate how veterans have helped pave the way for the freedom and security there is today. Not only has joining the club helped students in the school recognize local military veterans and members, but it has also brought students closer together. It provides a chance to meet new people, collaborate on ideas, and organize events and meaningful activities.
Club member Grace Mullen comments, “I joined the club in order to show respect towards our veterans and to raise more awareness for veterans. Others should join so there are more people who are able to raise that awareness.” Joining the club makes a huge difference towards commemorating veterans. A typical meeting usually goes like this: they meet at 7:15 am in Room 182 and go over the agenda for the meeting. During the meeting, they discuss recent and upcoming events. At the end of the meeting, they will play a game together like Jeopardy, making cards for Veterans, trivia, or something else.
The Veterans Appreciation Club is a great opportunity to pay your respects to both veterans and currently active members of the military, but also get the chance to meet new friends. New members in the club are always welcome, and it is a great way to get involved with the school as well. Veterans Appreciation Club is more than just a club; it is an opportunity to make a difference and show appreciation for those who have served or are actively serving in our country.
