On 24 May 2011, selected student “Ambassadors” will accompany World War II Veterans to our Nation’s Capital for a one day field trip to visit the World War II Memorial and other significant landmarks in Washington DC. The trip will be the culmination of a district wide enhancement program designed to give students a better understanding of the concept of freedom through document analysis, observance of sacrifice, and honoring America’s heroes.
There will be two phases to the selection process for Ambassadors PHASE 1: Challenge Coin Design PHASE 2: Reflections Program This presentation will highlight Phase 1
The birth of the Challenge Coin dates to WWI when a United States Army Air Corps pilot had custom coins made for all the members of his Squadron, the coin’s design had the unit’s emblem and motto inscribed on it to commemorate their loyalty. Narrowly escaping the Germans, one pilot that had been forced down behind enemy lines presented the “challenge coin” to French soldiers as he had no other identification, as a result, his life was spared.
Challenge coins are no longer used exclusively by the military. They are used by many organizations, schools, businesses, and sports teams. They are an effective tool to inspire teamwork, camaraderie and a sense of identity to a cause greater than one’s self They serve as a token of commitment to an ideal or value and tangible appreciation that can be bestowed on individuals that have been recognized for superior achievement
Students will be given the opportunity to design one side of the official 2011 Freedom Flight Challenge Coin. The coin should reflect the identity of the district and the spirit and meaning of the Honor Flight to our Nation’s Capital. The coin should convey appreciation to our Nation’s WWII Veterans for their sacrifice and commitment to freedom and democracy The coin should convey a connection of our WWII Veterans to the students
Students will submit a draft sketch of what they want their coin to look like along with a description of the messaging they are trying to convey. Entries will be submitted on a standard form provided by their teacher. Forms will be distributed to students by 10 March and will be turned in for judging upon return from Spring Break 21 March. Teachers will select the top two entries from their class for final judging Final judging by a panel of educators, Veterans, and volunteers will take place on 22 March and a winner will be selected The winning entry will have their draft converted to camera ready artwork by artist Phil Taylor. The proof will then be sent for production of approximately 1000 challenge coins to represent and memorialize the flight. The winner will be announced on May 10 th during the “Freedom Night” event at Colleyville Heritage High School Auditorium The winner will travel to Washington DC on the Freedom Flight and present the Challenge Coin the World War II Veterans on the journey