Barking Points: State capitol flag

Pride in your school, your state, and your country are critical components to academic success and a fundamentally strong school.

In hopes of increasing school pride, the Lind-Ritzville Middle School ASB decided to think outside the box, and solve a current dilemma in a patriotic manner. LRMS Associated Student Body recently requested and received a replacement American flag that had prestigiously flown on the Senate floor of the capitol building in Olympia.

Lind-Ritzville Middle School obtained the flag from Washington State senator and representative of Washington’s ninth Legislative District (including both Lind and Ritzville), Mark Schoesler.

The previous flag displayed in front of the middle school was torn due to excessively windy conditions this winter, and will receive a proper and respectful retirement. The ASB needed a new flag to assume its place, and requesting a flag from Olympia’s capitol building was a logical solution.

Shanon Davis, ASB advisor, said, “Olympia is where all of our legislatures are… [the flag] is a sign of respect for the people who fought for it.”

Sharon Anderson, member of the ASB, was excited about the project. “I wanted a flag that’s flown in the capitol because it’s a piece of American history.” The flag was a gift to the ASB, courtesy of Schoesler and his assistant.

Students and staff are eager to display their respect for their country. Emily Rosen, eighth grade representative in the ASB, proclaimed, “I feel that it makes our school a landmark because there is a really important piece of history right in front of our school.”

Rachel Nygren, sixth grade ASB representative, said, “It makes me feel proud. It shows that we have respect for our state. “

ASB activities coordinator, Megan Buriak, explained, “It’s significant to our school because not many other schools have flags from the capitol.”

The four-foot by six-foot flag from the senate floor has a positive effect on the school as well as its students, and will be flying high in front of Lind-Ritzville Middle School for weeks to come!