On March 5th, Tri-Center eighth grade students listened to a presentation given by Rachel Eikenberry, discussing her father, Traverse Hall’s experiences as a soldier in World War II. These stories included liberating a concentration camp, his encounters with General Patton, and his assignment to guard Hermann Goering’s family after the war.  At the end of her presentation, Eikenberry  allowed the students to look at some mementos from the war which included Hall’s Bronze Star, an authentic Nazi flag, pictures of General Patton, and personal items that belonged to Hermann Goering. The students left the presentation with a better understanding of what it was like to be a soldier during WWII as well as what sacrifices our Veterans made to ensure our freedom. In addition to Eikenberry’s presentation, eighth grade students at Tri-Center were able to hear a personal story from a Holocaust survivor. 

On March 12th, Bea Karp shared her own personal memories of World War II and explained the events leading to her family’s deportation to a work camp in France. She described the details she and her family encountered at the hands of the Nazis. Karp described the physical and mental struggles she experienced before, during, and after the war. When the presentation concluded, students had the opportunity to ask questions. Karp’s answers gave the students insight on what it meant to live in Europe during this historical time. Students left the presentation with several facts and a message of hope for the future.