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NORTH MANCHESTER - Lizzie Monce got engaged on Christmas Day. Less than a month later, her fianc was sent to Kuwait.
Since Jan. 18, Monce has cherished the e-mails she receives from her fianc, Justin Welty, and dreads the day he is no longer able to remain in such close contact.
For Monce, an 18-year-old senior at Manchester High School, the anxiety of war is just setting in. Both her brother, Shane Jones, and her fianc are stationed in Kuwait, in the 293rd Battalion, ready to enter Iraq when called.
The war is more than just reality TV for another MHS student as well. Joey Zapf's brother, Lucas, is in California, ready to leave for Iraq any day.
School has such close ties to the war, or maybe they're just doing their patriotic duty, only one thing is certain: Students in Oris Hippensteel's geography and science classes are striving to make a difference for America's troops.
Students in Hippensteel's classes began collecting items on March 18 to send to the troops. They began with hopes of sending items to at least six men with close ties to Manchester High School. By March 27, it was apparent they had collected enough goods to distribute to many more.
Students donated items like baby wipes, lip balm, sunscreen, nonperishable food items and flea collars to ward off sand fleas. They also raised $53 to purchase items as needed.
All in all, about 13 boxes of items will be shipped to the Middle East with the help of American Legion Post 286.
Jodi Simpson, Hippensteel's student aide, says the idea to take up a collection for troops was hatched by Hippensteel.
"She asked me if I thought it would be a good idea, and I said yes," Simpson said.
Monce also said Hippensteel asked her opinion. Acting in sensitivity to the families of soldiers was key in this project. Also imperative was not influencing her students' personal beliefs.
"She doesn't try to sway us in one way or another," Simpson said.
Student Ashley O'Brien also stressed the political neutrality of the project. "We're not acting for or against the war, or for or against President Bush," O'Brien said. "We're in support of our troops over there."
The students also said they watch live war coverage daily in class. Afterwards they discuss what is happening, why and its possible consequences.
"It needs to be discussed," O'Brien said. "We need to be aware of it and be able to talk about it."
