Every four years, students at Wellington Day School study U.S. history. During spring break, they travel to Washington, D.C. to explore the nation’s capital, monuments and museums. In place of the school’s annual spring play, the students host a patriotic program to honor local heroes and ask questions about how public officials chose a path of service in alignment with the constitution.
This year’s performance took place June 6 at the Island Church of Whidbey in Langley. Kindergartener Carter Penny opened the show with a flawless recitation of the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
Every student at Wellington Day School participated in the program, singing a number of patriotic songs, including “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “God Bless the U.S.A.” Between songs, students invited public servants to stage to share their stories of servitude.
First, Superior Court Judge Alan Hancock shared how he’s always been interested in the work of the mind — using his mind to solve problems and establish justice. Island County Sheriff Mark Brown spoke about how his childhood experiences with bullies led him to a profession where he could help to ensure domestic tranquility. NAS Whidbey Lt. Cmdr. Chaplain Daniel Link described his calling to the Air Force and shared stories of how the military provides for the common defense. Family physician Tom Harris took the stage to talk about how promoting the general welfare keeps citizens healthy. Finally, retired state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen shared how her passion for education led her to several elected positions.
During the section on providing for the common defense, students sang military hymns and invited audience members who have served, or are serving, the U.S. to stand and be honored with the crowd’s applause.
The room was ablaze with red, white and blue, while the spirit of patriotism proved to be alive and well. Throughout the year, students have studied and considered what it means to live in a free country, and their enthusiasm for freedom was evident during the performance. Beth Itaya and her staff of teachers, parents and volunteers produced the show and the students’ performances were praised.
Wellington Day School is located in Langley and serves students in preschool and grades K-8 with a Montessori-based preschool and a self-paced, individualized curriculum for elementary and middle school students.