News from the Hawk’s Nest

    “The only meaningful legacy we will leave this world will be the difference we made in others, especially in the life of a child.”
    This is the powerful quote printed on the front of the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, Maine, as we walked through the doors to the eager faces of America’s brave and honorable Veterans, Veterans who on this particular day, were willing to give their time and voices to more than fifty enthusiastic, energetic teenagers from Hodgdon High School. The Veterans faced this daunting task like it was the most important mission they had been assigned, and that is why the Cole Museum is so amazing. They truly understand the importance of our youth and sharing our history with today’s generation.    
    On May 7, every 10th grade student in Mrs. Mills’ American Literature class, along with Ms. Chase’s World History students, and Mr. Stewart’s U.S. History Class, boarded the busses for the fourth annual trip to experience this life-changing event.  
    The most amazing part of the journey for the Hodgdon High School students was interviewing the brave American Veterans for an interdisciplinary unit culminating in an I-Search paper the students will present orally for final exams.  
    The students, teachers, and parent chaperones were met by Mr. Galen Cole himself, who at age 19, was a combat infantryman in WWII and lost his entire squad to a German tank gun when the vehicle suffered a direct hit. He made a promise to God that day, “If I survive this war, I will do my best to leave my community and fellow man better than I found them.”  
    This promise to God led him to build the Cole Museum; a treasure house of every kind of Maine land transportation imaginable, but it also is a place for people to learn and to be reminded of something that cannot be seen at the museum — freedom. By offering free admission to all local school districts, and countless other opportunities for children sponsored by the Cole Museum, Mr. Cole and his family are doing exactly what he promised he would do; changing the world one child and family at a time.
    The Cole family is committed to improving the aspirations of youth, promoting freedom, and preserving Maine’s land transportation history. The Veteran Interview Program is a life-changing event in the lives of the students involved. Here are just a few excerpts from thank-you letters written to the veterans after the interviews:
    One student wrote, “I would like to thank you for coming and sharing your story with us. I wish we would have had more time together so I could’ve heard more. I’m very thankful for your fighting for our freedom.  You truly are one of my heroes.”
    Another student wrote, “I just know that interviewing you has made a change in my life and I am going to carry this experience with me until the day that I die.  Thank you very much for everything.”
     Desiree Foster, another 10th grade student in Mrs. Mills’ American Literature class wrote, “I want to thank you for sharing your life experiences with me and the rest of my group.  I absolutely loved hearing about what you did for our country.  I think that it is amazing that you went into the Army at such a young age and I am thankful that you are still here today to share this with us.”
    The students will be presenting the I-Search papers, which include a discussion of the veteran interview, during the week of finals from June 16 through June 19. If anyone is interested in observing his/her child’s presentation, just email Mrs. Mills at nmills@staff.msad70.net. The information and stories will be an experience to remember. If your school has not participated in the all expenses paid (including the bus fee!) Cole Museum Interview Program, be sure to visit www.colemuseum.org and sign your students up today. It is one of the greatest experiences offered each year at Hodgdon High School.