Wreaths Across America represents service, sacrifices for Basin students

  • Each student collected a wreath to place during the Wreaths Across America service project that Copper Basin High School’s (CBHS) senior class attended. Pictured at the event, from left, are seniors Alyvia Harris, Malachi Kemper, Noah Thompson, CBHS Teacher Zulma Youngs who helped coordinate the project, seniors Anna Ballew and Nicole Kimsey.
    Each student collected a wreath to place during the Wreaths Across America service project that Copper Basin High School’s (CBHS) senior class attended. Pictured at the event, from left, are seniors Alyvia Harris, Malachi Kemper, Noah Thompson, CBHS Teacher Zulma Youngs who helped coordinate the project, seniors Anna Ballew and Nicole Kimsey.
  • Copper Basin High School senior Samantha Ware is pictured as she places a wreath in memory of a fallen veteran at this year’s Wreaths Across America.
    Copper Basin High School senior Samantha Ware is pictured as she places a wreath in memory of a fallen veteran at this year’s Wreaths Across America.
  • Copper Basin High School seniors Seth Picklesimer, Malachi Kemper and Patrick Legate, from left, are shown during their service project where they participated in Wreaths Across America in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
    Copper Basin High School seniors Seth Picklesimer, Malachi Kemper and Patrick Legate, from left, are shown during their service project where they participated in Wreaths Across America in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  • Members of Copper Basin High School’s senior class and their leaders gathered at 6 a.m. December 14 for the trip to the Chattanooga National Cemetery to participate in Wreaths Across America.
    Members of Copper Basin High School’s senior class and their leaders gathered at 6 a.m. December 14 for the trip to the Chattanooga National Cemetery to participate in Wreaths Across America.

    The Copper Basin High School (CBHS) Class of 2025 traveled to the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in December to participate in Wreaths Across America, a national initiative aimed at honoring the nation’s veterans.

    The event was coordinated Teacher Zulma Youngs and School Counselor Karen Cribbs, who sought to provide the students with a service project that would have significant meaning. “Mrs. Youngs and I planned for the Class of 2025 to do a service project that would have a significant meaning for our students,” Cribbs said. “Wreaths Across America has always been a service project with deep meaning.”

    Senior Josie Adams shared her thoughts on the experience, saying, “Wreaths Across America meant being able to do a small service for those who built the country that I am blessed to live in...it was a privilege being able to honor our brave soldiers.”

    Anna Ballew, another senior, reflected on the lasting impact of the event, stating, “Wreaths Across America was a very memorable experience. I felt like I was making a difference in people’s lives, and that meant a lot to me. I will never forget that amazing opportunity and will continue to help make a difference.”

    For senior Kenzlie Ballew, the event was an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of veterans. “To me, Wreaths Across America means being able to remember and honor our veterans,” she said.

    Wreaths Across America’s mission is to “Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.” Volunteers across the country work year-round to ensure the mission continues to inspire future generations.

    Tim Woody with Polk County Am-Vets and Andy Jones with the American Legion contributed shirts and a luncheon for the students according to Cribbs.

    This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held in national cemeteries Saturday, December 13, 2025, with over two million volunteers and supporters expected to gather at more than 4,600 locations nationwide. For more information or to participate, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.