Northbrook's Wescott School Donates $1.8K To Honor Flight Chicago

NORTHBROOK, IL — Since 2008, Honor Flight Chicago has recognized senior war veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C., to tour memorials there built in their honor in one-day, all-expense paid trips. For the last decade, Northbrook's Wescott School has thanked the organization annually on Veterans Day by presenting a check to assist with this endeavor.

This year was no different as on Thursday, Wescott students presented a check for $1,800 to HFC. The money, raised from a school lemonade stand last month, will pay for one veteran to make the trip.

In return, HFC presented the school with the Guardian Banner award 'in recognition of their outstanding support of (our) mission and their incredible fundraising efforts,'" according to Honor Flight Chicago organizer Jim Weinstein. The U.S. Marine veteran, who served in Vietnam, attended the school's Veterans Day student concert with his wife and Honor Flight colleague, Helen.

The exchange took place during a performance of "Everyday Heroes," by the fourth-grade class, according to the district. Family, friends, staff and community members who served our country were invited to attend. The show also included four original songs written by music teacher Quentin Coaxum, including “Heroes” and “Saved My Life,” as well as standards like “God Bless America.”

Wecott’s connection with Honor Flight Chicago started with first-grade teacher Sharon Latek, of Northbrook. When Latek’s daughter, Jayne, was in third-grade, she took her to Midway Airport to welcome veterans home from their trip to the capital.

Latek then started collecting letters from Wescott students for mail call, a tradition on the Honor Flight where veterans are surprised with letters of appreciation from community members.